I read it, I liked it. Did they make a movie of it?
Re: why it wasn't on your daughter's reading list, now schools have this thing called an accelerated reader list where there a lists of books divided by grade level and how much difficulty in that grade level. For instance, you might see a book with a 5.2 on it, meaning 5th grade level, 2nd level of difficulty. This is supposed to help students progress by reading books that are increasingly difficult to read. I believe this a nationwide program in schools. Students gain points towards their grade based upon the books they read.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond is rated 5.7 and will give her 9 points.