My 12 year old daughter chose this desk as soon as I showed it to her. She loves the purple, appreciates the pencil ledge, and finds the stool perfectly comfortable. I don't, but I'm a lot bigger.  She hasn't used the lift top yet, having been more focused on computers this week, but it handled easily when she tested it out,  and I'm sure she will get around to using it soon.  The set came quickly in good condition, and she proudly built the set on her own with just a few moments of support from me.
Good purchase!