The River Between Us

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. This story is set during the American Civil War. List facts and themes that you recall from prior learning about the Civil War. Specifically, how did the war impact civilians and people at home?

Teaching Suggestion: This question is designed to help students think about the theme of The Effects of War. Consider turning this discussion into a cheat sheet or student-created anchor chart for all students to reference throughout the course of the novel. You may also want to add to the chart as your class reads through the novel.

• This 4-minute video explores the ways women were involved in the Civil War.
• This Common Lit resource includes an article and guided questions pertaining to the start of the Civil War. Note: A free account is required to download (but not view) this resource.

2. What is a frame narrative? What might this style add to the overall story?

Teaching Suggestion: The first and last chapters of this novel are told from a grandchild’s perspective, while the rest is told by Tilly, whom he believes to be his grandmother.