hillaryvillagers

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Retold by Oliver Ho

Illustrated by Dan Andreasen

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.

BIBLIO: 2006, Sterling Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $4.95.

REVIEWER: Mary Jo Edwards

FORMAT: Middle Reader

ISBN: 1-4027-2499-3

www.childrenslit.com

MJ, this is a treasured classic for every child.

Its been years since I read this book. need to surface ot again! Thanks MJ.

MJ, how would you compare this with the original?  When would you read the original vs. this new version?  Are the other MT books part of this effort.

Thanks--it looks like this is a good fit for a young reader.

Normita, KEY, and Taylor, although it's been many years, I prefered the original version and the movie to this abridged version. But, this one is fine for the younger kids with short attention spans. Guess it depends on the individual child.