Halfway into this book, I had read at least three seperate "NO WAY" parts. Funke really captured my attention, there were so many turns and twists just in the first half of the book that I could not wait to read the rest. Though the novel looked pretty thick, the reading went by quickly due to the suspense aspect of the story. I love the plotline of having children who run away to the great city of Venice and become part of this family of streetkids who survive by relying on their "thief lord" to provide a life for them by stealing. Who knew that Scipio was leading seperate lives and leading his friends to believe he was this great almighty "thief lord" when in fact he was from a priveledged family. I can see how a child in the upper elementary grades would be excited about reading this novel. This novel is an exciting way to learn factual information about Venice, and also is just a plan fun book to read.