The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy)
What’s inside...
Thirteen-year-old Susy Clemens sets out to write a comprehensive biography of her father, Mark Twain, to show the world that he is more than just a humorist. Through her journal kept under her pillow, Susy documents her father's habits, writing routine, and their family's colorful home life. Her biography provides rare insight and an unforgettable perspective on the celebrated American writer. Excerpts from Susy's actual journal are also included, adding to the appeal of this intimate portrait.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Susy to write a biography about her father, Mark Twain?
How do you think Susy felt while uncovering and writing about her father’s life and traits?
If you could write a biography about someone in our family, who would it be and why?
What qualities of Mark Twain did you find most interesting or surprising?
How do you think the relationship between Susy and her father influenced the way she wrote his story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the personal qualities they admire in family members or famous figures.
Discuss the importance of seeing people from different perspectives like Susy did with her father.
Prompt your child to think about how personal relationships can affect storytelling.
Encourage your child to think about what they might include if they were to write about someone they know, focusing on unique characteristics or anecdotes.
Use Mark Twain’s stories or quotes, if familiar, to deepen the conversation around his personality and Susy's perspective.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Perspective
Explanation: Through Susy's unique view of her father, Mark Twain, the book teaches children that everyone has their own perspective and understanding of people and events.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and consider different viewpoints from their own, fostering empathy and understanding in diverse situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Susy writes candidly about her father, including both his admirable qualities and his flaws, demonstrating the importance of honesty in portraying a well-rounded character.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value honesty in their interactions and understand that everyone has both strengths and weaknesses.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Expression
Explanation: The book showcases Susy's creative approach to writing and documenting life, highlighting the importance of creative expression.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and express their own thoughts and feelings through creative means such as writing, drawing, or storytelling.
Example Lesson: Understanding Historical Contexts
Explanation: Set in a different era, the book provides insights into the historical context of Mark Twain’s life, helping children understand how history shapes people's lives and thoughts.
Real-World Application: This can help children to develop an interest in history and understand the impact of past events on present circumstances.
Example Lesson: Fostering Literary Interest
Explanation: By presenting the story of a literary figure from the eyes of his daughter, the book engages children with literature in a personal and relatable way.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore more literary works and possibly develop a lifelong interest in reading.