I just dont get the point of shortened books - it just isn't right. Fortunately there are not any of those over here in my language - students read 'regular buuks' in school - and survive nicely
I have never read any of the abridged versions, but can imagine it necessarily takes away from the feeling/atmosphere/character development. Essential parts of enjoying the book - I'd say forcing students to read abridged books does nothngn to show them the joy and enjoyment or reading for pleasure. It fosters kids that *proudly* state that they've never read any other book than what they were forced to read in school, and can't understand others that do enjoy reading for fun.
Ok - off my soapbox...