While Maggie's life is a little more dramatic than a normal child's life, it's a fiction book and I think that the events in the book - from the family gifts to the talent show - will keep younger readers engaged. It's amusing, easy to read and doesn't get boring. The little sketches in throughout are also quite cute, and the bubble writing for the months in something I remember doing as a child so it seems pretty authentic. This is a definite must have for younger female readers (or male readers if you think they can relate, there's no lovey-dovey eyes at boys so there's no reason why boys can't enjoy this book)!