78 pages • 2 hours read
The River Between Us
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Book Brief
164
Novel • Fiction
Southern Illinois • 1860s
2003
Middle grade
10-14 years
740L
Super Short Summary
The River Between Us by Richard Peck, a young adult historical fiction novel, follows 15-year-old Howard Hutchings and his twin brothers from St. Louis to Grand Tower, Illinois, where they discover their family's Civil War history. Grandma Tilly recounts how two mysterious women, Delphine and Calinda, altered their lives, revealing deep family secrets. The novel addresses racism, enslavement, graphic violence, and death by suicide.
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
5,419 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Richard Peck's The River Between Us generally praise its well-researched historical context and vivid character development. Some readers appreciate its engaging narrative and emotional depth. However, criticisms include a slow pacing and complex timelines that may confuse younger readers. Overall, the novel is lauded for its richly woven portrayal of family and identity amidst the backdrop of the Civil War.
Who Should Read The River Between Us?
The ideal reader for Richard Peck's The River Between Us enjoys historical fiction with a blend of mystery and coming-of-age themes. Fans of Ann Rinaldi's The Last Silk Dress or Lois Lowry's Number the Stars will appreciate the rich historical context and poignant character development characteristic of this novel.
5,419 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
164
Novel • Fiction
Southern Illinois • 1860s
2003
Middle grade
10-14 years
740L
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