Intense, but still a good read for ages 10-13 or so. The back of the book talks about 'genuine nobility of the human spirit' which makes it sound all *L*iterary, and which may account for it's scarcity, but it's more accessible than that, and more interesting. A bit fanciful, but beautifully written. Definitely recommended to folks who are interested in orphans, Florida history, race relations as presented to children, plucky girls surviving adversity, etc. ( )