The River Between Us

Bibliography

Peck, Richard. 2003. THE RIVER BETWEEN US. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803727456.

Plot Summary

Howard Leland Hutchings, with his two little brothers in tow, accompanies his father to his hometown of Grand Tower, Illinois. Once there, with the four adults who had raised his father, he is taken back to a time when the civil war was brewing, and to a family struggling through this tough time. The worlds of Tilly, Cass, and Noah Pruitt are forever changed when Delphine Duval and Calinda come ashore off a steamboat headed north from New Orleans. We see things change as Noah and Delphine fall in love, Tilly grows into a woman, Cass is able to come out of her shell with the help of Calinda, and eventually, as Noah goes off to fight in the Civil War. Much is discovered about all of the characters, as they struggle, overcome tragedy, and in the end, tighten the bonds that tie them as a family.

Critical Analysis

This book is written in such a way that the reader is truly able to visualize the characters, setting and struggles that this family encounters. Delphine’s prissy “southern” ways contrast greatly with the country lifestyle of the Pruitt family, adding interest and humor to the storyline. We also see her growth as an individual as she lets her guard down, and allows herself to get dirty when caring for injured soldiers in the field. As the characters are teenagers themselves, they are easy to relate to, and have feelings and thoughts that are understandable to young readers. This book certainly addresses many heavy issues such as slavery, mental illness, prejudice, and human rights. While these heavy themes are present, there is a light heartedness to it, allowing for some fun and fancy as well.

Review Excerpt

School Library Journal – “In this thoroughly researched novel, Peck masterfully describes the female Civil War experience, the subtle and not-too-subtle ways the country was changing, and the split in loyalty that separated towns and even families.”

Connections

Have children explore their thoughts about how they would behave during the Civil War, and their opinions of the reasons behind the war.

Children could create their own works of historical fiction by imagining themselves during the Civil War, and creating their own stories.

Other books about the civil war for children and young adults:
Herbert, Janis. The Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities. ISBN 1556523556.
Cohn, Scottie. Beyond Their Years: Stories of Sixteen Civil War Children. ISBN 0762710276.
Furbee, Mary Rodd. Outrageous Women of Civil War Times. ISBN 0471229261.