Our homeschool week is centered around this Newberry Winner, Li Lun-Lad of Courage. We're using it for science, geography, dictation, grammar, vocabulary, spelling and reading comp. I think the book is awesome. My 11 year old is either being defiant or truly doesn't like it. Regardless, I am requiring him to read it. You know, when you're the mom and teacher... you really have a decsion to make... do I let him off the hook and read something he likes? Or should I push and challenge him? Let's hope he grows from this and his mind is stretched. We'll see.