From the famous episodes of the whitewashed fence and the ordeal in the cave to the trial of Injun Joe, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is redolent of life in the Mississippi River towns in which Twain spent his own youth. A somber undercurrent flows through the high humor and unabashed nostalgia of the novel, however, for beneath the innocence of childhood lie the inequities of adult reality—base emotions and superstitions, murder and revenge, starvation and slavery. In his introduction, noted Twain scholar John Seelye considers Twain’s impact on American letters and discusses the balance between humorous escapades and serious concern that is found in much of Twain’s writing.
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Kids Fiction
Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Adventures of Tom Sawyer http://www.yabookscentral.com/media/reviews/photos/thumbnail/200x285s/0b/5e/48/371_24583-1349809577.jpg
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
10+
Release Date
December 31, 1969
ISBN
068807510X
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Average user rating from: 17 user(s)
Mark Twain writes about real life and the sense of wanting adventure. I read this in grade school, and it has stuck with me since then. The characters are all relateable and I think we can reason with them. Just another great classic.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 5.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | N/A |
Great!
Mark Twain writes about real life and the sense of wanting adventure. I read this in grade school, and it has stuck with me since then. The characters are all relateable and I think we can reason with them. Just another great classic.
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is one of those books where it only starts to get exciting towards the middle. The story begins as Aunt Polly sends Tom to whitewash the fence to where he’s being tested for the murder of Dr. Robinson. This story is about a teenage boy who is eager to see the world outside of his little box, he may have the perfect life, but does it always goes according to plan?
The character Tom Sawyer is seemingly believable as how his lifestyle can relate to an enormous amount of teenagers around the world. His resilience and his thirst of discovering new things makes it easy for us to understand his way of thinking and the choices he makes. Tom may have the most ideal life that any teenage boy dreams of: the chance to get away from school and family to go on an odyssey of his own. After the death of his parents, Tom stays with his aunt Polly, who generous and warm hearted, even though Tom behaves in churlish ways, she still loves him no matter what. All the characters in the book all speak in a Missouri dialect which makes the book a little confusing and hard to understand their conversations between each other. And because their way of speech is very interesting, the simplicity makes it interesting and easy to understand.
In conclusion I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The book itself is very interesting and eye catching, yet if the writer made the opening of the novel more compelling it would have grabbed more attention. I would recommend this book to late teenagers, because I think this book can relate to themselves, and to understand that we are all the same when we’re young, and that is we all make mistakes. And if you are an adult, it’ll bring back those happy childhood memories that you once had.
The character Tom Sawyer is seemingly believable as how his lifestyle can relate to an enormous amount of teenagers around the world. His resilience and his thirst of discovering new things makes it easy for us to understand his way of thinking and the choices he makes. Tom may have the most ideal life that any teenage boy dreams of: the chance to get away from school and family to go on an odyssey of his own. After the death of his parents, Tom stays with his aunt Polly, who generous and warm hearted, even though Tom behaves in churlish ways, she still loves him no matter what. All the characters in the book all speak in a Missouri dialect which makes the book a little confusing and hard to understand their conversations between each other. And because their way of speech is very interesting, the simplicity makes it interesting and easy to understand.
In conclusion I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The book itself is very interesting and eye catching, yet if the writer made the opening of the novel more compelling it would have grabbed more attention. I would recommend this book to late teenagers, because I think this book can relate to themselves, and to understand that we are all the same when we’re young, and that is we all make mistakes. And if you are an adult, it’ll bring back those happy childhood memories that you once had.
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | N/A |
The Adventure of Tom Sawyer: The Risk Taker
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is one of those books where it only starts to get exciting towards the middle. The story begins as Aunt Polly sends Tom to whitewash the fence to where he’s being tested for the murder of Dr. Robinson. This story is about a teenage boy who is eager to see the world outside of his little box, he may have the perfect life, but does it always goes according to plan?
The character Tom Sawyer is seemingly believable as how his lifestyle can relate to an enormous amount of teenagers around the world. His resilience and his thirst of discovering new things makes it easy for us to understand his way of thinking and the choices he makes. Tom may have the most ideal life that any teenage boy dreams of: the chance to get away from school and family to go on an odyssey of his own. After the death of his parents, Tom stays with his aunt Polly, who generous and warm hearted, even though Tom behaves in churlish ways, she still loves him no matter what. All the characters in the book all speak in a Missouri dialect which makes the book a little confusing and hard to understand their conversations between each other. And because their way of speech is very interesting, the simplicity makes it interesting and easy to understand.
In conclusion I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. The book itself is very interesting and eye catching, yet if the writer made the opening of the novel more compelling it would have grabbed more attention. I would recommend this book to late teenagers, because I think this book can relate to themselves, and to understand that we are all the same when we’re young, and that is we all make mistakes. And if you are an adult, it’ll bring back those happy childhood memories that you once had.
Do You Recommend?
Maybe
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What a cast of interesting characters! And such an imaginative adventure. As a mom of boys, I can say with fervor that Mr. Twain nailed the psyche of the tween boy on the head. There's humor, drama, rebellion, misbehavior, consequences, uncertain relationships, crushes, family stuff, and it all reads like a fast-paced rolicking ride to the finish.
| Overall rating | 4.5 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 5.0 |
An Adventure!
What a cast of interesting characters! And such an imaginative adventure. As a mom of boys, I can say with fervor that Mr. Twain nailed the psyche of the tween boy on the head. There's humor, drama, rebellion, misbehavior, consequences, uncertain relationships, crushes, family stuff, and it all reads like a fast-paced rolicking ride to the finish.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
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Reader reviewed by Tasmin
I read this because I every so often I read a book that is a classic. I expected it to be hard to read and dull. I was wrong. This book is fun and funny and very sweet. It was at times slightly difficult to read, but very much worth it. I'd read it again for a class project or even just for me and I'd recommend that others read it as well.
I read this because I every so often I read a book that is a classic. I expected it to be hard to read and dull. I was wrong. This book is fun and funny and very sweet. It was at times slightly difficult to read, but very much worth it. I'd read it again for a class project or even just for me and I'd recommend that others read it as well.
| Overall rating | 3.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 3.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
A classic
Reader reviewed by Tasmin
I read this because I every so often I read a book that is a classic. I expected it to be hard to read and dull. I was wrong. This book is fun and funny and very sweet. It was at times slightly difficult to read, but very much worth it. I'd read it again for a class project or even just for me and I'd recommend that others read it as well.
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Reader reviewed by Camila
Awsome! Probably some children don't understand this book because it has too many hard words, but if you have time to check what the words mean you will be transported to Tom's world, you will find that the book is very interesting. Of course I'm talking about the original version.
Awsome! Probably some children don't understand this book because it has too many hard words, but if you have time to check what the words mean you will be transported to Tom's world, you will find that the book is very interesting. Of course I'm talking about the original version.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 5.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
Awsome!
Reader reviewed by Camila
Awsome! Probably some children don't understand this book because it has too many hard words, but if you have time to check what the words mean you will be transported to Tom's world, you will find that the book is very interesting. Of course I'm talking about the original version.
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Reader reviewed by abscae
It's about adventures of boys, boys having the time of their life.
I have to disagree with chatterbox891's and many others' review: this book was captivating. Not as good as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, yet captivating. Just dissecting the way Tom Sawyer thinks has me amazed. And those who gave reviews with no basis, such as boring, etc. truly didn't give the book a chance from the beginning.
I guess we all have opinions, but this is definitely a book that people should read: it tells about a different life than we live, and is highly underestimated by the teen population.
It's about adventures of boys, boys having the time of their life.
I have to disagree with chatterbox891's and many others' review: this book was captivating. Not as good as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, yet captivating. Just dissecting the way Tom Sawyer thinks has me amazed. And those who gave reviews with no basis, such as boring, etc. truly didn't give the book a chance from the beginning.
I guess we all have opinions, but this is definitely a book that people should read: it tells about a different life than we live, and is highly underestimated by the teen population.
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
Don't Judge too Quickly
Reader reviewed by abscae
It's about adventures of boys, boys having the time of their life.
I have to disagree with chatterbox891's and many others' review: this book was captivating. Not as good as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, yet captivating. Just dissecting the way Tom Sawyer thinks has me amazed. And those who gave reviews with no basis, such as boring, etc. truly didn't give the book a chance from the beginning.
I guess we all have opinions, but this is definitely a book that people should read: it tells about a different life than we live, and is highly underestimated by the teen population.
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Reader reviewed by Lesha
This book was writen in the 19th century. It is old and boring. No one should read it. Find another book to read. There are plenty of good books out there but this is not one of them. A stupid boy collects dumb trinkets and what not by trickery. He manages to go on lots of "adventures". They are all very boring. The most interesting part of the book is a murder and that is only one chapter.
This book was writen in the 19th century. It is old and boring. No one should read it. Find another book to read. There are plenty of good books out there but this is not one of them. A stupid boy collects dumb trinkets and what not by trickery. He manages to go on lots of "adventures". They are all very boring. The most interesting part of the book is a murder and that is only one chapter.
| Overall rating | 1.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 1.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
This book sucks.
Reader reviewed by Lesha
This book was writen in the 19th century. It is old and boring. No one should read it. Find another book to read. There are plenty of good books out there but this is not one of them. A stupid boy collects dumb trinkets and what not by trickery. He manages to go on lots of "adventures". They are all very boring. The most interesting part of the book is a murder and that is only one chapter.
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Reader reviewed by Tiffany
In class we always get assigned books that look like they will be boring. Every time we read a book, though, it's really good. This book was just plain pitiful. Ha! A classic! Yeah, sure. All I know is I hope I never need to read "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"!!! Don't read Tom Sawyer, unless you like boring books. (and believe me, some people do!)
In class we always get assigned books that look like they will be boring. Every time we read a book, though, it's really good. This book was just plain pitiful. Ha! A classic! Yeah, sure. All I know is I hope I never need to read "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"!!! Don't read Tom Sawyer, unless you like boring books. (and believe me, some people do!)
| Overall rating | 1.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 1.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
BORING!
Reader reviewed by Tiffany
In class we always get assigned books that look like they will be boring. Every time we read a book, though, it's really good. This book was just plain pitiful. Ha! A classic! Yeah, sure. All I know is I hope I never need to read "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"!!! Don't read Tom Sawyer, unless you like boring books. (and believe me, some people do!)
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Reader reviewed by Marietta
He's Tom Sawyer. He's naughty, brave and with great imagination.He secretly eats his aunt's jam, he swims in the river although he's not allowed to, he doesn't pay attention in class and constantly gets into all kinds of trouble. However, all readers love him. Why? Maybe because they've done the same at his age.
I like the book because it's full of thrilling adventures and funnny situatons. It's usually recommended to children, but for adults it would also be a delight to read.
He's Tom Sawyer. He's naughty, brave and with great imagination.He secretly eats his aunt's jam, he swims in the river although he's not allowed to, he doesn't pay attention in class and constantly gets into all kinds of trouble. However, all readers love him. Why? Maybe because they've done the same at his age.
I like the book because it's full of thrilling adventures and funnny situatons. It's usually recommended to children, but for adults it would also be a delight to read.
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
The Most Famous Kid in American Literature
Reader reviewed by Marietta
He's Tom Sawyer. He's naughty, brave and with great imagination.He secretly eats his aunt's jam, he swims in the river although he's not allowed to, he doesn't pay attention in class and constantly gets into all kinds of trouble. However, all readers love him. Why? Maybe because they've done the same at his age.
I like the book because it's full of thrilling adventures and funnny situatons. It's usually recommended to children, but for adults it would also be a delight to read.
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Reader reviewed by Janet
This was a cute book, with silly little boy things. I would recommend it to younger tweens or whatever, but the context is a little hard to understand. So basically once you're able to read it, you're too old for it. But people read children's books all the time and like them. And some people just go for the classics. So if you're either, I would say to read this book.
This was a cute book, with silly little boy things. I would recommend it to younger tweens or whatever, but the context is a little hard to understand. So basically once you're able to read it, you're too old for it. But people read children's books all the time and like them. And some people just go for the classics. So if you're either, I would say to read this book.
| Overall rating | 3.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 3.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
I liked
Reader reviewed by Janet
This was a cute book, with silly little boy things. I would recommend it to younger tweens or whatever, but the context is a little hard to understand. So basically once you're able to read it, you're too old for it. But people read children's books all the time and like them. And some people just go for the classics. So if you're either, I would say to read this book.
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Reader reviewed by charlene
Mark Twain's "Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are a classic discription of adventures of a rascal in the 19th century. The story is always full of wit and temperament, yet there is even a somewhat sad part to satisfy even a melodramatic taste. As I read it when I was 11 and really enjoyed it then, I would especially recommend it to the under 12s. However, for those of you over 12, it is always a great add to your list of "already read".
Mark Twain's "Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are a classic discription of adventures of a rascal in the 19th century. The story is always full of wit and temperament, yet there is even a somewhat sad part to satisfy even a melodramatic taste. As I read it when I was 11 and really enjoyed it then, I would especially recommend it to the under 12s. However, for those of you over 12, it is always a great add to your list of "already read".
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
Funny adventures most highly recommended to under 12-year olds
Reader reviewed by charlene
Mark Twain's "Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are a classic discription of adventures of a rascal in the 19th century. The story is always full of wit and temperament, yet there is even a somewhat sad part to satisfy even a melodramatic taste. As I read it when I was 11 and really enjoyed it then, I would especially recommend it to the under 12s. However, for those of you over 12, it is always a great add to your list of "already read".
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Reader reviewed by Val
Tom is a mischevous ten year old boy who views the world in a romantisized manner. You will find yourself laughing at his "adventures" such as getting Ben Rogers to whitewash the fence for him or letting a pinch bug lose in church and causing such a commotion. But most importantly through his adventures you'll discover the flaws i Twain's society such as the educational system and organized religion. This novel is and deserves to be a classic because it incorporates good themes and brings to mind injustices all through the eyes of a child. I would definitly recommend this book for all those who enjoy a good laugh!
Tom is a mischevous ten year old boy who views the world in a romantisized manner. You will find yourself laughing at his "adventures" such as getting Ben Rogers to whitewash the fence for him or letting a pinch bug lose in church and causing such a commotion. But most importantly through his adventures you'll discover the flaws i Twain's society such as the educational system and organized religion. This novel is and deserves to be a classic because it incorporates good themes and brings to mind injustices all through the eyes of a child. I would definitly recommend this book for all those who enjoy a good laugh!
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 5.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
Don't judge a book by it's cover
Reader reviewed by Val
Tom is a mischevous ten year old boy who views the world in a romantisized manner. You will find yourself laughing at his "adventures" such as getting Ben Rogers to whitewash the fence for him or letting a pinch bug lose in church and causing such a commotion. But most importantly through his adventures you'll discover the flaws i Twain's society such as the educational system and organized religion. This novel is and deserves to be a classic because it incorporates good themes and brings to mind injustices all through the eyes of a child. I would definitly recommend this book for all those who enjoy a good laugh!
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Reader reviewed by Leah
Tom Sawyer is an American classic that was written shortly before the Civil War and is about a boy living in the South. Tom Sawyer loves adventures and superstitions and longs form freedom away from rules and Sunday School. Him and Huckleberry Fin land themselves in the middle of a murder, falling in love, lost in a cave, and finding buried treasure. What more could we ask for?
I definetly reccomend although you'll probably read it in high school!
Tom Sawyer is an American classic that was written shortly before the Civil War and is about a boy living in the South. Tom Sawyer loves adventures and superstitions and longs form freedom away from rules and Sunday School. Him and Huckleberry Fin land themselves in the middle of a murder, falling in love, lost in a cave, and finding buried treasure. What more could we ask for?
I definetly reccomend although you'll probably read it in high school!
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
A True Classic
Reader reviewed by Leah
Tom Sawyer is an American classic that was written shortly before the Civil War and is about a boy living in the South. Tom Sawyer loves adventures and superstitions and longs form freedom away from rules and Sunday School. Him and Huckleberry Fin land themselves in the middle of a murder, falling in love, lost in a cave, and finding buried treasure. What more could we ask for?
I definetly reccomend although you'll probably read it in high school!
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Reader reviewed by Ella
Tom Sawyer is the kind of book most kids groan over when they're assigned to read it in class. Why? Because it has no explosions, battles, romance (who calls Becky and Tom romance they say), but mostly because it's a classic. Just the label classic scares them. I, however, loved Tom Sawyer. Despite the fact that Tom is a bad boy, the book has a certain amount of innocence in it. The was Tom and Huck are effected when they see the murder in the graveyard. It is also humorous, such as when Tom comes to his own funeral, and when he tricks the other boys into whitewashing the fence for him. Tom Sawyer is a wonderful action book, and also a good read. It doesn't take long to read a good book.
Tom Sawyer is the kind of book most kids groan over when they're assigned to read it in class. Why? Because it has no explosions, battles, romance (who calls Becky and Tom romance they say), but mostly because it's a classic. Just the label classic scares them. I, however, loved Tom Sawyer. Despite the fact that Tom is a bad boy, the book has a certain amount of innocence in it. The was Tom and Huck are effected when they see the murder in the graveyard. It is also humorous, such as when Tom comes to his own funeral, and when he tricks the other boys into whitewashing the fence for him. Tom Sawyer is a wonderful action book, and also a good read. It doesn't take long to read a good book.
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
Who says classic are no good?
Reader reviewed by Ella
Tom Sawyer is the kind of book most kids groan over when they're assigned to read it in class. Why? Because it has no explosions, battles, romance (who calls Becky and Tom romance they say), but mostly because it's a classic. Just the label classic scares them. I, however, loved Tom Sawyer. Despite the fact that Tom is a bad boy, the book has a certain amount of innocence in it. The was Tom and Huck are effected when they see the murder in the graveyard. It is also humorous, such as when Tom comes to his own funeral, and when he tricks the other boys into whitewashing the fence for him. Tom Sawyer is a wonderful action book, and also a good read. It doesn't take long to read a good book.
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Reader reviewed by chatterbox891
I realize that this is a classic piece of American Literature, but honestly, it was amazingly boring. But, you don't have to take my word for it.
Follow Tom and his friend Huckleberry Finn as they spend their days having adventure and solving mysteries. Read as they fight for their lives and avoid chores.
Read it and see!
I realize that this is a classic piece of American Literature, but honestly, it was amazingly boring. But, you don't have to take my word for it.
Follow Tom and his friend Huckleberry Finn as they spend their days having adventure and solving mysteries. Read as they fight for their lives and avoid chores.
Read it and see!
| Overall rating | 1.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 1.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
Snore
Reader reviewed by chatterbox891
I realize that this is a classic piece of American Literature, but honestly, it was amazingly boring. But, you don't have to take my word for it.
Follow Tom and his friend Huckleberry Finn as they spend their days having adventure and solving mysteries. Read as they fight for their lives and avoid chores.
Read it and see!
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