Yes, I know I must take into consideration what age group this book is for. But in grade eight, when I was twelve, and that IS in the suggested age group, the teachers all seemed to think that not telling people exactly what you're thinking all the time was a concept SO complex that required pages and pages of explaining a five year old could understand, and really cheesy metaphors.

And the entire second half of the book, when everything finally starts going right for Oliver was very, very bothersome. He makes peace with all the evil teachers, makes best buds with the bully... fact is, stuff like that doesn't happen. Usually, if someone hates you, they hate you for a long, long time. It doesn't tend to change overnight like it was portrayed in the book.

So basically, I found the book to be unconvincing in general. Sure, it had its moments, but it was just so... cheesy. Unbelievable. The rating, for me, would be closer to about two and a half stars.