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