A boy runs away and befriends a slave also on the run, both go on an adventure while traveling down the Mississippi River. Huck is a boy with a vivid imagination, likes to tell fibs to get out of trouble, and lives for adventure. He lives with two women who take care of him because his father is an abusive drunk. One day, his father violently wants to take him back, prompting him to defend himself. He runs away, faking his own death. On the move in the woods, he bumps into his friend Jim, a runaway slave. Together they embark on a journey on a raft with their own missions, Huck, to live a life of freedom and without responsibility, and Jim, to earn enough money to buy his wife and children back.
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They are at risk of being captured since Jim is wanted for Huck's murder. He has a bounty on his head making him an easy target for trouble. At one time in search of food, Huck dresses up as a girl to sneak vegetables and utensils out from a woman's cabin. They also encounter pirates with a bounty of gold coins and get away from their sinking ship.
Huck has nagging thoughts of turning Jim in. Resolved to report Jim to the authorities, he changes his decision at the last minute, his conscience ultimately getting the best of him, knowing that doing so would only hurt his friend. They also meet two con men, the King and the Duke who get wind of a big inheritance via a drunk at the bar. They pretend to be the British relatives of three young ladies, the Wilks, whose father had just died, and have Huck and Jim pose as their valet and African tribal slave, respectively. The con artists are found out, and Huck and Jim run away again.
As their friendship deepens, Huck starts to realize the meaning of loyalty and the importance of freedom taught by Jim. Their bond is put to a test when Jim is captured and punished by a cruel slave-keeper, partly because of Huck's doing. Huck cries to Jim for his shortcomings, and begs to still be his friend and be forgiven. While escaping, Huck is shot, but bounces back to his lively and precocious self.
Best part of story, including ending:
The simplicity of their friendship which goes beyond race and age, was endearing to watch.
Best scene in story:
When Huck had to adlib a British accent to fool the Wilks sisters. He is interrogated by the youngest daughter about British trivia and answers her questions incorrectly.
Opinion about the main character:
I like Huck's go-getter attitude, he's wise beyond his years since he had to endure a tough childhood. His friendship with Jim was so pure and real.
