I think the book tTrouble by Gary Schmidt sends a positive message, not a negative message. This book teaches about racial issues. This teaches kids that you should never treat each other unfailry. It also teaches that just because someone is different from you, doesn't mean that you can't be friends. I have no clue why some of you give it the ratings you do because of beer and rape and violence, because your children are going to learn about it one day. It's best they learn about it in a fiction book. And heck, many of them already know about alot of the stuff in the book, but they just don't tell you. Take it from me, a girl who just turned 13. This book is perfect for anyone who wants a good book to read. No matter what the age.