I tried to read this with my 11 yr old (who was 10 at the time), but we only got through about the first third together before they decided it was too boring. I found it fascinating though, and kept reading until about the last third. Then I set it aside and didn't pick it up again until just today. One of the problems, I think, is that it's quite dense. Lots of exposition, with only a cursory "plot" (not really a plot, more a series of settings).

So don't read this if you are looking for a story. But if you know what you're getting into, I do absolutely recommend this. The end did feel a bit long to me, with a lot of repeated information, but it's an important lesson, so I didn't ding it for that.

Highly recommended.