I've read this book numerous times since junior high. I love it! It is one of my favorites. It takes all the insecurities that we feel as young adults and brings them into the mind's eye. It's a highly inspiring story about real life teen issues such as not fitting in, getting in trouble and the parent/child relationship. It's a "feel good" story that takes you through every emotion, from life's small setbacks to triumphant glories. This should be required reading for young adults and those who deal with them. It's not just for kids, adults can take something from this book also.