This book was so wonderful! I think anyone over the age of 10 will really enjoy it. I can't really describe what made me love it so much. The characters were all well written and each had their own quirks and fears that they worked through in this book. I loved the fact that reading and books played such a large part in all the of family, no matter what life had dealt them. I loved the imagery and the flow and the page-turning suspense. Most of all I really enjoyed the main character Annie. She responded to situations the way a normal human would. She used stories and books as entertainment for her and her brother. She was quiet when she needed to be. She loved her family and is extremely conflicted when family doesn't get along. Annie was realistic and down to earth.