attempting obscurity

I didn't like it, personally. The cartoons were cute and funny -- some parents may think that means younger kids can read it, but the reading level is definitely around 5th grade and older. Think the age the first HP book was aimed at, and you have the correct reading age for this book.Why I didn't like it? The protagonist never learned a lesson of any sort whatsoever. Throughout the book, it was hinted at that his elder brother (Rodrick) had a horrific secret held over his head. I was honestly eagerly waiting for Rodrick to let that cat out of the bag, because as odious as Rodrick was depicted to be, the protagonist himself was even more of a jerk.This main character who we're supposed to sympathize with insults his "friends" constantly, talking about how he thinks they're stupid and he only hangs out with them because they have a hot babysitter or can get him good grades or some other reason. He makes fun of everyone around him, and it's sometimes funny and sometimes insightful, but it's relentlessly cruel. I wanted him to be redeemed in the end, I wanted him to be taught a lesson. But he wasn't -- nothing happened. I was hoping this would be something along the lines of "Harriet The Spy," but it wasn't. It wasn't funny, intelligent, life-changing or in any way great. The only decent thing about this book is that it apparently opens the door into reading for boys who otherwise showed little interest.I say buy them the "Great Brain" series. Nothing Tom and his Great Brain can't handle.