Peck, Richard. The River Between Us. Scholastic Inc, 2003, p. 164.
Brief plot description:
The River Between Us starts out with a look at 1916. The reader is introduced to Howard Leland Hutchings who is traveling with his father and two twin brothers. The family is headed for Grand Tower, Illinois to see some family members. The story then goes back in time to 1861 and the time of the Civil War. The main characters are Cass, Tilly, Noah, and Mama, the Pruitt’s. Tilly’s dad is a river man who has not come home for some time. The town that they live in is in the midst of the Civil War because it sits on the Mississippi River. Some special guests arrive in town, Delphine Duval who is well dressed and Calinda a black girl. The Battle of Bull Run leads the town to join the side of the Yankees. Will Noah decide to join the fight? Who really are Delphine and Calinda?
The River Between Us starts out with a look at 1916. The reader is introduced to Howard Leland Hutchings who is traveling with his father and two twin brothers. The family is headed for Grand Tower, Illinois to see some family members. The story then goes back in time to 1861 and the time of the Civil War. The main characters are Cass, Tilly, Noah, and Mama, the Pruitt’s. Tilly’s dad is a river man who has not come home for some time. The town that they live in is in the midst of the Civil War because it sits on the Mississippi River. Some special guests arrive in town, Delphine Duval who is well dressed and Calinda a black girl. The Battle of Bull Run leads the town to join the side of the Yankees. Will Noah decide to join the fight? Who really are Delphine and Calinda?
Brief review:
This story is set-up in a different way than most stories. It begins in the present and then goes to the past and then back to the present. The book ends with A Note on the Story where the author tells the reader about how he got his information. Throughout the story there are signs of Southern Illinois dialect, for example, et and Paw. Since Delphine is from New Orleans there is a great deal of French spoken. Illinois students would enjoy reading this book because there are several cities mentioned that they have probably heard of including Cairo and Quincy. In the book are also some songs of the time. This could be used when talking about the Civil War, the effect of war on families, the effect of racism on society, or different dialects/languages.
Genre label:
Historical Fiction
Reading level/interest level:
Sixth through Eighth grade; some concepts may need to be discussed
Sixth through Eighth grade; some concepts may need to be discussed
Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:
Girl in Blue by Ann Rinaldi
A Ballad of the Civil War by Mary Stolz and illustrated by Sergio Martinez
Subjects/themes:
Civil War, history, mystery, racism, family
Awards:
Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction
National Book Award: Finalist
National Book Award: Finalist
ALA Notable Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Riverbank Review Children’s Books of Distinction
Booklist Editor’s Choice
NYPL’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
IRA Book Award
Book Sense 76 Top Ten Selection
Parents’ Choice Award
Glogster Poster: http://jencampbell12.glogster.com/riverbetweenus-9995/
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