Mark Twain for Kids: His Life & Times, 21 Activities (Volume 7)

For Kids

by R. Kent Rasmussen

Nineteenth-century America and the world of Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, come to life as children journey back in time with this history- and literature-laden activity book. The comprehensive biographical information explores Mark Twain as a multi-talented man of his times, from his childhood in the rough-and-tumble West of Missouri to his many careers—steamboat pilot, printer, miner, inventor, world traveler, businessman, lecturer, newspaper reporter, and most important, author—and how these experiences influenced his writing. Twain-inspired activities include making printer’s type, building a model paddlewheel boat, unmasking a hoax, inventing new words, cooking cornpone, planning a newspaper, observing people, and writing maxims. An extensive resource section offers information on Twain’s classics, such as Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , as well as a listing of recommended web sites to explore.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

(I'm writing this in November 2016 merely to report I have not been active on GoodReads for several years. I've been busying writing and editing books and haven't had the time or inclination to keep up with social media. I don't object to this sort of site on principle. It's just that I'm bothered by the way keeping up everything can suck up one's time and become an end in itself.)

Reviews

[Cheryl]

Skimming cuz I might find something fun to do. I appreciate & value the Capture Real Human Speech activity. Some might have fun making a Paddle-Wheel Boat.

But mostly it's a long book, mostly bio & history, and not particularly easy to use or appealing. Imo.

August 2021

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although written for older children, this is a very enjoyable and informative book to read as an adult. I loved poring over all the photographs, the drawings from his books, and all the sidebars. When I was younger I read many of Mark Twain's works but this book gave me a better understanding of how he came to write them and how he was perceived in his times. I'll be returning to his works again and hunting down some of the movies made from them.

[Dee Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading it for a class, but it is really very interesting. I've learned a lot, even if it is just for kids. Some of the "Activities" are a bit of a stretch though.

[Tad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for any teacher to share with students, or parent with children. Makes me want to read other works by Twain!

[Al Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just for kids. A great overview of his life and work.