The Trouble Begins At 8-Biography

We all know Mark Twain by his novels.  Who hasn’t heard of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn or A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court, just to name a few?  Sid Fleischman helps us to understand the man through facts, humor, photos and a well-written narrative.  Readers who aren’t usually drawn to biographies will be surprised by this easy and entertaining read. 

The book’s preface, will leave readers chuckling and ready for the rest of the book.  They will discover little known stories of the man and how he created his career.  Discovering the meaning of the book’s title is a clue into his personality and drive.   Mr. Fleischman’s clever and artistic construction of the book assures that you will stick with it to see what’s coming next. 

Educationally, knowing more about the author is always an important element in fully understanding text.  While the publisher suggests the book for 9-12 year olds, it would not be fully appreciated by most in this age group and would better serve older readers.  English teachers will appreciate this book for what it can provide in this arena.  History teachers can refer to this book as it relates to The Civil War era and provides insight into what was going on in the West during the war.

Don't miss these also by Sid Fleischman:
Escape!  The Story of the Great Houdini
The AbracadabraKid: A Writer's Life (The author's autobiography)