I did love this book so much. I'll admit though, that when I started reading the book, i didn't feel that I was going to like Mary all that well. She sure did prove herself though, and her personality changed at around Chapter 8. I feel that this book does an excellent example of how someone can change, and help someone change for the better. I do wish that all children, even these days pick up this book. It's got such a magical beauty to it that just can't be explained.