Susy Clemens thought the world was wrong about her papa. They saw Mark Twain as "a humorist joking at everything." But he was so much more, and Susy was determined to set the record straight. In a journal she kept under her pillow, Susy documented her world-famous father-from his habits (good and bad!) to his writing routine to their family's colorful home life. Her frank, funny, tender biography (which came to be one of Twain's most prized possessions) gives rare insight and an unforgettable perspective on an American icon. Inserts with excerpts from Susy's actual journal give added appeal.

This book is the winner of numerous awards. It was recognised in the Nonfiction category by the Cybils Award. The Cybils Awards is a group of readers passionate about seeking out and recognizing books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens. To accomplish that goal, the Cybils Awards works to recognize books written for children and young adults that combine both the highest literary merit and popular appeal. It was recognised in the Intermediate category by the Keystone to Reading Book Award. It also was recognised by the Land of Enchantment Book Award. It was recognised by the Bluebonnet Award. Also it was recognised in the Information Book category by the Beehive Award. It was recognised in the Grades 6-8 category by the William Allen White Childens Book Award. It was recognised in the Ages 7-10 Years category by the Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens. It was recognised by the Oregon Book Award.

This book has been graded for interest at 7-10 years.

There are 48 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2010 by Scholastic US .

Peggy Thomas is the author of multiple picture books, including award-winning Calkins Creek titles Thomas Jefferson Grows a Nation , Farmer George Plants a Nation , and For the Birds: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson . She is also the co-author of Anatomy of Nonfiction, the only writing guide for children's nonfiction. Edwin Fotheringham is the illustrator of many picture book biographies, including Blue Grass Boy: The Story of Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass Music ; A Home for Mr. Emerson ; and Those Rebels, John & Tom . He is also the illustrator of the Tony Baloney series by Pam Munoz Ryan. Visit edfotheringham. com. Barbara Kerley is the author of A Cool Drink of Water , which received a starred review from School Library Journal and was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the NSTA and CBC, and You and Me Together , named an ALA Notable Book. Her third book for National Geographic, A Little Peace , was called "powerful" by School Library Journal and "stunningly beautiful" by The Boston Globe .