I read this (or possibly had it read to me) way back when–most likely it was when I was in the 4th grade. I had completely forgotten about it until I saw it on a friend's frofile :)
This is very compelling read. I stayed up to the early hours to finish it; I couldn't put it down. The characters are very likable, and inspire that empathy that is so important for enjoying a story. I am looking forward to his next novel.
Good book. The description of this, however, is wrong, it has not been updated, with prequel information–it is the original Ballatine Books paperback.