I did not encounter Huck Finn until almost 40 years-old--I started college
when my "baby" was in 2nd grade.  I read it a second time in a senior
seminar on Twain.  This novel, in my humble opinion, is THE greatest novel
written in the English language and I encourage my high school kids to
read it.  When my 15 year-old had to pick a book from a list in his honors
english class, I told him I would only help him with it if he chose Huck
Finn.  (I use my power whenever I can!)  He DID have considerable problems
with the language, and I often had to read passages aloud to him--then he
would "get it."

He still enjoyed being read to--which surprised me.  Maybe this is one way
educators can get around the language problem.

By the way, kudos to all who teach our kids in middle and high school and
are fighting to keep these books in our kids' hands--I, as a mother,
applaud you.

Diana D. Reynolds
Student, MA in English, IUPUI