The Actual & Truthful Adventures of Becky Thatcher

Gr 4–6—As a more politically correct retelling of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Lawson's novel turns several ideas in Mark Twain's original story on their heads. Tom the tattletale lurks in the backdrop of 1860 St. Petersburg, MO, but the focus is on the adventures that Becky plans with her friend Amy Lawrence. While Becky has found comfort in getting into the mischief that her recently deceased brother will miss, her mother neglects Becky completely by shutting herself away. Meanwhile, a man named Sam Clemens is staying with Becky's friend Sid Sawyer. All of the pieces are in place, employing the traditional characters and setting. Stylized language and unfamiliar vocabulary may prove a barrier to some readers, and a twist ending, though clever, fails to live up to its potential. Nevertheless, readers not familiar with Twain's work will find an enjoyable adventure story with glimmers of mystery. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy the charming heroine and fitting affirmations of family, friendship, and remembrance.—Erin Reilly-Sanders, Ohio State University, Columbus