This is a great book for kids to be able to see and discuss relationships - both familial and friendships. The main character is put in a lot of situations where he has to make real decisions for himself and he doesn't always make the right ones, but he's not the only character in the story in that situation. I think this is a very real story for kids and all the different relationships and perceptions of who this young man should be affect his decisions. I think a lot of kids could see themselves in this story in some way!