I am a young adult myself, and I loved it! I was somewhat disappointed when Josef didn't get his happy ending along with his mother, even though Ruthie got out. I felt the same way when Ìvan died as well. Oh, when Senor Castillo saved Isabelle and Marino [Lito] being sent back to Cuba? Ugh! Tear jerking! Not all the characters get their happy endings, the time eras are all connected which I found interesting and the book in generally was amazing! I now own Grenade and Aliies, and I hope to get more of gratz's books.