What a horrible book... I think even for adults it has a lot of underlying scummish themes, but it's a great read for kids and a way to pick up on some good vocabulary. I haven't seen the movie, but I guess I started my 13 book commitment with these. How horrible...but fine reading. Like the young 7 year old articulate child said with mighty fine eloquence,"Not all good books have to have a happy ending", and "Make sure you start with the first one." I remember she said that this series and Nancy Drew were her fav.

edit: per darryl's convo last night..I'm saying that I like the book really. I went to the library today and borrowed the second one.