River Boy: The Story of Mark Twain Hardcover – February 18, 2003

Love this story for teaching about Mark Twain

a good read if there ever was one

This well-written and illustrated book is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the famous Mark Twain born as Sam Clemens. (The name Mark Twain came about from his life on the river, measuring its depth. Twelve feet was "mark twain".) Read in here of his humble beginnings in Hannibal, Missouri, to his life as a pilot on the Mississippi and then later his life out west planning on making his fortune with gold but actually striking it rich with his first story being published. His wife and three girls eventually settled in Connecticut. Did you know he was not only born when Halley's comet came past but he also died when it came past again?!Great book!

This is a nicely-illustrated book about the life of Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain, suitable for elementary school readers. Samuel Clemens had an interesting beginning in life as he was born on the same night Halley's Comet shot through the sky on November 30, 1835. Sam was a mischievous young boy and indulged in many adventurous activities during his childhood such as exploring the creepy passages of McDowell's Cave. His childhood experiences served as inspiration for his writing in later years, such as whitewashing the tall board fence near his house as punishment for not heeding his parents' warning about swimming in the Mississippi, discovering the body of a runaway slave, etc. Children who read this book will find themselves relating to the inquisitive nature inherent in Sam, and his insatiable appetite for adventure!