The Actual and Truthful Adventures of Becky Thatcher

Gr 3–7—It's 1860, and 11-year-old Becky Thatcher has just moved to St. Petersburg, Missouri. She's looking for big-time adventure in this small town, and once she meets Sid Sawyer, it doesn't take her long to find it. Pretty soon, she's sneaking out after dark, stealing graveyard dirt at midnight, and keeping an eye out for dead cats to help her win a bet. The only obstacle standing between her and even more excitement is goody-goody tattletale Tom Sawyer. This fast-paced tale is the perfect introduction to Mark Twain's classic characters, but readers who are already familiar with Tom, Sid, Becky, and the Widow Douglas will also appreciate this imaginative, pitch-perfect spin on their classic adventures. Narrator Tavia Gilbert does a phenomenal job. She portrays each character with a different voice, giving the impression that the novel is read by an entire cast of narrators instead of just one person. This fast-paced story is perfect for historical fiction and adventure fans.—Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA