Some on the list have noted that Huck Finn can be read and studied on different or multiple levels. Any TEACHER can tell you that if it can be read on these various levels it can be taught on these various levels. Any parent can tell you that they teach sexual matters on a different level based upon age and maturity. What issues one deals with depends on the age and maturity of the child. Jane, develop what you wish to cover and the rationale for covering it with that age group and then stick to the sticking place. I teach the book in my C P English III classes, but I have no doubt that I or any other "real" teacher could justifiablely teach it at the 7th or 8th grade levels.