Summarize this in your own words "Alana, I'm bored. How about another trip up to Grandpa Frank and Grandma Minnie's attic?"

"I'm sure they won't mind if we do a little more exploring, Jackson. Let's head upstairs."

(Jackson and Alana visit the attic and look around.)

"Hey, Jackson, let's see if we can find anything that might take us back to the time just after the Industrial Revolution."

"Sure thing, Alana, but I'm not sure exactly what to look for. I don't see a mechanical reaper or a cotton gin around here."

"Hmmm, what about a book or picture from that time period? It should be from around 1870, I think."

"Hey, Alana, what about this book? It looks pretty old."

"'The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today,' by Mark Twain: I've heard of him! He wrote 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' It looks like this book was published in 1873 - perfect! Let's see if we can visit Mark Twain. Maybe he can tell us more about the Gilded Age and how this time period got its name."

"Great idea, Alana. One, two, three ... let's go!"

(Jackson and Alana each grab the book and are transported back to the late 1800s, where they find themselves joining the famous author Mark Twain on his porch.)

"Mr. Twain? I'm Alana and this is my friend, Jackson. We've come a long way to ask you about your book, 'The Gilded Age.'"

"So, you've read my book, have you? What did you think of it, my young friends?"

"Well, we haven't exactly read it, but we're curious about the title. What exactly is the Gilded Age, anyway?"

"Well, Jackson, the times in which I live are full of wealth and prosperity (success), but not everything is as golden as it seems. There are many factory owners, land developers and oil and steel tycoons (powerful business owners) who make a lot of money and live a life of wealth. But, there are also many poor factory workers and farmers who barely get by. 'Gilded' means covered with a thin layer of gold, and that's what American society is like during this period. Most of society is living with very little money while some make up the thin layer of wealth. Gilding makes it pretty on the outside, but the gold doesn't go all the way through."

"You mean the Gilded Age was great for those who owned businesses and factories, but it was hard for those who worked for them?"

"That's exactly right, Alana. Now you know why I chose that title for my book."

"Thanks for your time, Mr. Twain. We promise to read your book when we get home."

"You do that. Nothing like a book to pour a little knowledge into you!"