The River Between Us

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Peck, Richard. The River Between Us. New York: Dial Books. 2003
ISBN: 0-8037-2735-6

PLOT SUMMARY
The year is 1916 and young Howard Leyland Hutchins travels with his father and younger twin brothers to Southern Illinois to visit his father’s relatives whom he does not recall meeting before. Once the family is introduced, the story flashes back to 1861, setting the stage for family intrigue. Grandma Tilly tells of the start of the Civil War in 1861 and how the entire Pruitt family was transformed in spirit by a beautiful, young debutante. Delphine and her quiet, dark-skinned companion, Calinda, came to their small town of Grand Tower on the banks of the Mississippi River to escape the inevitable conflict in New Orleans. No one knows who these women are or what their purpose is in this small community and with the tension of war building, the rumors begin to fly. 
When the women disembark from the steamboat, Rob Roy, they find a room to rent in the Pruitt household. Everyone in the Pruitt family forms a special bond with the women who forever change their lives. Feeling the effects of war and their father long gone, Noah, Tilly’s twin brother, is anxious to enlist but delays joining the Union Army until the age of sixteen due to his feelings for Delphine. Then facing the rages of war, Noah becomes sick and Mrs. Pruitt sends Tilly and Delphine to the army camp in Cairo, Illinois to find him and nurse him back to health. Dr. Hutchins, the new physician in town joins them on this journey and through twists and turns, relationships are formed and destiny becomes entwined.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Richard Peck vividly describes life in the antebellum South. In a small Mississippi river town the unique mixture of characters are drawn together through circumstances born of conflict. The  reader is quickly pulled into the story through the intriguing characters forming lasting relationships as the story unfolds. This story is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the life of another. Descriptions of time and place are integral to the story and authentically represented. Peck provides an accurate historical snapshot of the life and times in Southern Illinois at the start of the Civil War that students who are studying this era will understand. He uses flashbacks to tell the main part of the story and one is compelled to reflect upon the opening chapter to tie the story elements together. The Cajun and French vernacular may be difficult for students not familiar with the South, but the vocabulary is explained flawlessly throughout the book in order to capture the flavor of the locale. The story is rich with personal secrets that will keep the reader engaged, saving the best for last. This is an excellent read for middle school students or young adults connecting historical studies of the Civil War.

REVIEW EXCERPTS AND AWARDS

Booklist starred review- “It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why.”

Horn Book starred review- “ The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels.

Kirkus Review starred review- “A rich tale full of magic, mystery, and surprise.”

Publishers Weekly starred review “Peck reaches new depth with this
Civil War-era novel. . .”

National Book Award finalist (Young People's Literature, 2003)

ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2004)

Scott O'Dell Award (2004)

CONNECTIONS
Partner with a social studies and language arts teaching team to promote an integrated study of history. Encourage students to keep a journal of reflection from the viewpoint of the main character.

Additional recommended reading in historical fiction for middle school students:

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park 2001 ISBN: 10-0395978270
A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck 2002 ISBN: 10-0142300705
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis 1999 ISBN: 10-0385323069
Day of Tears: a Novel in Dialogue by Julius Lester 2005 ISBN: 10-0786804904
Elijah of Buxton by Paul Curtis 2007 ISBN: 10-0439023440
Fair Weather by Richard Peck 2001 ISBN: 10-0803725167
On the Wings of Heros by Richard Peck ISBN: 10-0803730810

RESOURCES
Picture: http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0803727356.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/river-between-us#whats-the-story-main

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/ 

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/search?query=A%20river%20between%20us

Vardell, Sylvia. Children’s Literature in Action. Westport, CT. Libraries Unlimited. 2008.