This book has a very tough start -- I question whether kids will be intrigued enough to soldier through until the story gets going. I usually like Spinelli, though, and I'll stay with it to see what happens.

I'll have to let this one settle before allotting stars.

It's creative. Spinelli has crafted a whole world. But it's sad, nostalgic, wistful. It's an adult's point of view on the end of childhood. I have known some kids who resisted adolescence. I have known many kids who ran headlong into their teen-age without ever once looking back. I haven't known any kids who gave up every scrap of their kid-hood on one swoop or who felt completely pushed out of all childhood against their wishes (not without being abused). Kids look forward with gusto, ready to see what's next for them. Middle-aged adults look back with longing.

This feels like a short story for adults more than a YA or kids' novel.