This was a quick, easy and enjoyable read. The characters are very likable and the constant banter between them was perfect for the play version of the story. I thought it was drastically different than any other piece I have read by Gary Paulsen.
This story will be perfect for a school English class, since it can be studied as a novella and/or a play. It is for a compare and contrast.
Having a picture of a stuffed cat on the front made me think this story was for upper elementary, but it is clearly written for middle school students. The wit used would be above most elementary student's heads. Some of the terms would simply not be understood by younger readers, example "emotionally tone-deaf" when describing how the boy just did not notice the needs of others.
