Dear Members of the Twain Forum: I am working on a presentation about challenges to _Tom Sawyer_ in libraries and schools. Many folks have defended _Huck Finn_ against challenges; not nearly as many have defended _Tom Sawyer_, even though it is also a frequently challenged book. I wonder why. I'd also like help with some related questions: How often is _Tom Sawyer_ included in high school or middle school English classes? How often is it included in college or university literature classes (not counting those exclusively devoted to Twain)? I am going to address these issues (among others): the racist portrayal of Injun Joe, Tom as con artist, Tom's treatment of the "new boy," the treatment of animals, sexism. All of these and more have been grounds for challenging the book. I will appreciate any suggestions. Tim Hirsch