Crooked River
Crooked River
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Brief
507
Book • Nonfiction
Ohio • 1810s
2005
Adult
10-14 years
910L
Super Short Summary
Crooked River, set in 1812, follows thirteen-year-old Rebecca ‘Reb’ Carver, who witnesses the trial of a young Chippewa Indian man, Amik (tried as "Indian John"), for the suspected murder of a white hunter. Reb tries to support John amidst mounting racial injustices while grappling with her own evolving moral perceptions. The book alternates between Reb's prose and John's verse, highlighting their shared humanity. Topics include racial injustice and wrongful imprisonment.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Unnerving
Melancholic
Dark
Reviews & Readership
467 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Crooked River by Shelley Pearsall offers a compelling historical mystery enriched with strong character development and a rich sense of place. Readers appreciate its educational value and emotional depth. However, some found the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally predictable. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read suitable for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read Crooked River?
A reader who enjoys Crooked River by Shelley Pearsall is typically a young adult interested in historical fiction that tackles social justice themes. Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry will appreciate this book's exploration of racial tensions and moral dilemmas in 19th-century America.
467 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
507
Book • Nonfiction
Ohio • 1810s
2005
Adult
10-14 years
910L
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