Historical accuracy plus an engaging story equals a great read! 4th graders and up should be able to read this themselves. Younger kids love hearing it read to them. Sonny Boy Parker and Kate the donkey are real characters after the spirit of Texas pioneers. Their shared trials and tribulations set against the backdrop of 1836 Texas and the revolution with Mexico can't help but bring young readers and listeners back for chapter after chapter. The history is good enough for teachers to use to bring this time period alive for their students of early 19th century US and Texas history. Don't pass up The Donkey Boy.