Two times I have read this book, and two times I have been charmed by its wholesome story. And just because it's wholesome, don't assume that's it's extremely light. I don't feel that Hale dances around sensitive issues in this middle-grade novel.
This is the sort of book that is safe to recommend to any child, although a girl would likely enjoy it more.
In general I find Shannon Hale's books to be high-quality story telling and full of character.