Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop

I think this book is an excellent example of what adults think kids SHOULD like in books. All the Lessons are very heavy-handed and moralistic. The main character forever self-examines all his mistakes and regrets them earnestly. Everything this kid did was earnest! There was never a moment of silliness or sarcasm!
I do not buy that this kid is ten. No way! He comes across as years younger than ten. Perhaps a believable seven?
I think getting an intermediate grade boy to read this all the way through would be incredibly difficult.
There is NO humor. None! I didn't even realize that was possible. The "sensitive" William is forever crying and whining and moping. Gag! The main character comes off as a real goody-goody Dork! My guess is that this has not aged well. Boys in 1985 must have been very different.
Can't believe this was chosen for Battle of the Books