I read this aloud with 2 of my sons recently. It has been required reading e: Tin some areas although I didn't read it as a child. I have heard that there is controversy regarding the book. Some people believe that it is proof that Twain was a racist. To be honest, I found it difficult to read aloud because of the racist language, and I can understand that black students would be offended by being forced to read it or hear it. The language seriously bothered me. However, I don't believe Twain was racist. He was an author who forced people to look at things they did not want to see. When Twain wrote this book, much of society wanted to forget slavery and ignore racial relationships. He stuck it in their faces and didn't let them look away.

As we read the book, my sons preferred that I read it. Though it was partly because I made them slow down and repeat parts not spoken clearly, it was also difficult for them to read the dialogue with regional accent. My kids enjoyed the book and the antics of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. We also used it as a starting point in discussing slavery and the treatment of other people.
related-orphans, slavery, Mississippi River region, adventure, humor
RL=7th-adult