I'm late to the party on this one, and loved it as expected. Sort of a combination of "A Year Down Yonder" and the movie "A Christmas Story" - so funny and sometimes unexpectedly heartbreaking. 
 A few things I especially loved: 
 - Holling and Meryl Lee: 7th-graders can be in a romantic relationship that's very sweet and real. 
 - Mrs. Baker and the power of a great teacher. 
 Great book for adults and kids alike.