I had a hard time getting into this book - - it was a little slow in the beginning, but once secrets start popping up and events at school start to change the mood of the school and the story, I found myself drawn in. I have to say that I don't like the author's style of writing; I found it confusing at times to figure out what she was trying to say. The characters are lovable - even when they are behaving badly. Every step of the way, you are reminded that they are behaving this way for a reason, which you have yet to figure out. The story is heart-wrenching and heart-warming all at the same time. I feel for the parents, the students, Daniel, and his sister. It reminds us all that what we see on the outside is just one layer. What makes up a person runs much deeper.