Author: L.L. Samson
Title: The Enchanted Attic: Wrestling With Tom Sawyer
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Truth be told, I haven’t been a middle-schooler in a long, long time, but that hasn’t hampered my enjoyment of L.L. Samson’s “The Enchanted Attic” series in the least.
See, regardless of the target demographic, Lisa Sampson knows a thing or two about telling stories with a decidedly universal appeal. And with the latest “Enchanted Attic” adventure, Wrestling With Tom Sawyer, she seamlessly weaves together past and present in truly fantastical fashion yet again.
Like all the stories in this particular series, the heroes of classic literature play a starring role, and if you haven’t guessed already from the novel’s title, that’s certainly no exception here. In fact, it’s the process of acquainting good ol’ Tom with the “Real World” that makes Wrestling With Tom Sawyer such a delight.
To expound much more on the plot itself would inevitably rob any potential readers from the story’s many joys. But let’s just say that Samson is an expert pot-stirrer once Tom “enters” the scene. And watching how twists of circumstance spiral in many unexpected directions, well, that’s the reason that reading never goes out of style.
With a strong eye for detail (her commentary on school lunches alone are priceless) and precise ear for dialogue, the intended audience can easily relate to every word.
But even more than that, there’s strong takeaway value and plenty of humor to be found in the pages, too. And that along with the enchanting pencil drawings that help bring the story to life, make Wrestling With Tom Sawyer a true pleasure for all ages.
*This article first published 7/23/2013