I read this to my eleven year old daughter at bedtime over a couple of months. I've long wanted to give her a taste of my favorite genre (science fiction), and this book worked as a good introduction. The different children's personalities are well expressed, and the theme of understanding your enemy through their alien culture an important and well handled one.

My daughter immediately wanted us to continue with the sequel once we finished this book, and I was happy to oblige. I wouldn't read this book just for myself, as I prefer darker/harder/more-complex (pick at least one) sci-fi, but it was enjoyable to read with her.