"Or better still, as in more recent examples, issue the book with the “N” word cleverly edited out."

Changing an author's words to appease those who take offense is never acceptable. Authors, especially those as masterful as Twain, take great care to make their point through their choice of language.

To quote Twain himself, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."

Every point of contention is a teachable moment and an opportunity for discussion. Let's stop robbing our students of those opportunities for real thinking.