78 pages • 2 hours read
Richard PeckThe River Between Us
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
740LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Children's Literature
Military / War
History: World
American Civil War
Values/Ideas: Equality
Relationships: Family
Society: War