The storyline of this classic never fails to entertain. The only cons: promotes rebellious behavior, has some language, and some gory events take place. ( )

Still Going Strong After 150 Years

The adventures (and misadventures) of an imaginative, mischievous 12-year-old boy in a Mississippi River town in Missouri in the mid-19th century. Most Americans first read it as children about Tom's age, and most are captivated by it. Yet this is one of those very rare children's books which can be reread many times well into old age and always reveal something new (and often laugh-out-loud funny). The hero is a boy, but Mark Twain's insights into human nature reveal as much about adults as they do about children. ( )

I like reading classics that I somehow missed reading growing up, but tell me again how this story of a boy of questionable character who lies, incites fights, and considers dead animals to be fine treasures, became a classic. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grades 4-5
Awards: None

Süß ( )