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couillac's review against another edition
3.0
In this reimagining of the classic Tom Sawyer story, Tom is relegated to the role of supporting character (and a suck-up tattletale at that) while spunky, adventurous Becky Thatcher, her friend Amy, and Tom's half-brother Sid embark on a series of small-town escapades. Debut author Lawson captures the spirit of Twain's original story and even his way with language while creating an accessible, engaging narrative for elementary school readers. Becky arrives with a detailed backstory and fully-realized personality, and the presence of a steamboat operator named Sam Clemens who is inspired by Becky's story makes for a satisfying connection to the original Tom Sawyer tale. Full of old-fashioned adventure and just the right amount of small-town quirk, it should have broad appeal with a wide range of young readers.
jillcd's review against another edition
2.0
While I can see some kids enjoying this quick adventurous read, I love Tom Sawyer too much. This book fell too far from the original for me to like and to wrap my brain around. I just couldn't enjoy it.
hezann73's review against another edition
3.0
Almost four stars.
The good: Kind of a gender switched "Tom Sawyer" Mark Twain even makes an appearance and you could believe this story is where he gets his inspiration. So kudos to strong girls (and boys) and a Tom Sawyer you would never recognize. Lots of winks and nods to Twain's actual works.
The bad: some pretty gross parts. There is an ongoing bit with a dead kitten that was nearly too much for me.
5th and 6th graders
The good: Kind of a gender switched "Tom Sawyer" Mark Twain even makes an appearance and you could believe this story is where he gets his inspiration. So kudos to strong girls (and boys) and a Tom Sawyer you would never recognize. Lots of winks and nods to Twain's actual works.
The bad: some pretty gross parts. There is an ongoing bit with a dead kitten that was nearly too much for me.
5th and 6th graders
mandajoyful's review against another edition
4.0
This book started out slow for me but once I was hooked, she had me! I love the alternative tale and perspective of Becky & Tom. This book also deftly handles the topic of grief which I didn't expect but do appreciate.
libscote's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, I need to re-read Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn's adventures now. This was a rollicking good story of Becky Thatcher, yes the same Thatcher in Twain's books. However, she's a little feistier in this one. I read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in sixth grade, and I think it would have been a lot of fun to read this one at the same time and compare the two.
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