The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Classic Starts Series) » (Modern Retelling)

Riverboat pilot, journalist, failed businessman (several times over): Samuel Clemens -- the man behind the figure of Mark Twain -- led many lives. But it was in his novels and short stories that he created a voice and an outlook on life that will be forever identified with the American character.

“We said there was no home like a raft. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery…but you feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft.” Sail down the Mississippi with Huck Finn and the runaway slave, Jim. Twain’s beloved tale, with its folksy language, creates an indelible image of antebellum America with its sleepy river towns, con men, family feuds, and a variety of colorful characters.

Mary Jo Edwards - Children's Literature

This title in the "Classic Starts" series is an abridged, rewritten version of Mark Twain's original novel. Huckleberry's adventure begins when the Widow Douglas takes him into her home and tries to civilize him. Huckleberry's pap kidnaps his son after discovering that he is rich and educated. Huckleberry escapes and sets out on a rafting adventure down the mighty Mississippi. While on the lam, Huckleberry runs into his friends Jim, a runaway slave, and Tom Sawyer, as well as a few unsavory characters. Huckleberry and Tom eventually arrive at the home of Tom's Aunt Sally and Uncle Silas. Aunt Sally wants to adopt and civilize the free spirited Huckleberry but he will not go through that again. Ho's abridged version of Huckleberry Finn's adventures is a fun and fast-paced story for children. It is easy to read and comprehend. Following the story there are questions for the reader to discuss with their parents or teacher. An educational afterword is included for adults who have a child in their life. This latest version will create a whole new generation of fans. Long live Huckleberry Finn. 2006, Sterling Publishing, Ages 8 to 12.