I'd probably go 4.5. Yeah, close to 5 but something's holding me back. Not sure what...

Anyway, I listened to the audio book with my 10-year old. We're used to reading fantasy or adventure books together so this was a big departure. We did make several comments to each other while reading about how depressing it was but we both agree that it is an incredibly moving book and that all kids 10 and up and all parents should read it. It should be required.