“But if Curry wins, Noah loses.”
Did it cross my mind they could both lose?
Richard Peck’s The River Between Us is a slim, award-winning novel that takes readers to the banks of the Mississippi River in 1891, on the brink of the American Civil War. Told partly from the perspective of Tilly Pruitt and framed by a future descendant, the story traces a family pulled into the tension of war, race, and survival. A mysterious young woman and her silent companion arrive from New Orleans with secrets that will change everything.
Though selected as a Teacher’s Pick and recipient of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, this book presents surprisingly mature themes for its intended middle-grade audience (ages 8-12), including suicide, racial identity, and cultural practices like tarot and voodoo.
💙 What Worked
Historical Insight in a Fresh Setting:
Many Civil War books focus on the battlefield or major cities, but this one gives readers a glimpse into the war’s impact on a small Mississippi River town—an area not often featured. The Mississippi River, crucial to Civil War strategy, becomes a symbolic and literal divide between people, regions, and ideologies.
Cultural Complexity & Family Mystery:
Delphine and Calinda, the mysterious women from New Orleans, bring with them layers of identity that unfold slowly. Readers are introduced to Melungeon and Creole heritage—terms and cultures rarely discussed in mainstream middle-grade fiction. There’s a subtle but strong commentary on race, class, and passing, which older readers may find especially compelling.
Humor Amid Heartbreak:
Despite its darker themes, the novel includes light, often dry humor that adds warmth and realism. Peck’s writing style is smooth and accessible, helping readers stay engaged—even when the material becomes weighty.
⚠️ What Fell Short
Pacing & Perspective Confusion:
The story begins and ends in 1916 through the eyes of Howard, a boy visiting his grandparents. The main narrative, however, jumps to 1861 and shifts into Tilly’s voice—without clearly establishing that switch. Younger readers may find this confusing, especially since the return to Howard occurs only in the final chapter. The ending also feels abrupt.
Mature & Potentially Disturbing Themes for the Target Age:
This book covers racial identity, suicide, and spiritual practices like tarot and voodoo. While handled with restraint, these themes may be too intense or culturally complex for younger readers without adult support or discussion. A trigger warning for suicide would be appropriate. The inclusion of visions and supernatural elements, although rooted in cultural tradition, may be misinterpreted at this age level.
Minimal Suspense & Dragging Downtown:
The story unfolds at a quiet, steady pace, but this can make it feel slow. This is particularly true in the early chapters. Key revelations arrive late, and the downtime between them drags more than it builds tension. There’s little traditional suspense, and while the emotional stakes are present, they feel muted.
Quote Highlight:
“She said that time was like the Mississippi River. It only flows in one direction. She meant you could never go back.”
This line echoes long after the book is closed. It captures the heart of the story: how the past shapes us, how war divides and defines us, and how—like the river—times moves on, whether we’re ready or not.
✍️ Final Thoughts
The River Between Us is a thoughtful, historically rich novel that sheds light on a deeply personal side of the Civil War. It’s a story about family loyalty, identity, and the ways war tears lives apart. While it’s a powerful read for teens and adults interested in historical fiction, its maturity level, spiritual content, and emotional weight may not be suitable for its intended middle-grade audience without guided support.
This novel reminds us that the Civil War wasn’t just North vs. South—it was often brother vs. brother, father vs. son. That heartbreak is the legacy of any divided nation. Tilly’s story, and the secrets hidden along the river, linger long after the final chapter.
If you’re looking for a compact historical novel that still packs thematic weight, this one belongs on your shelf.
Have you read The River Between Us? What did you think of its layered look at history, race, and family secrets? Do you think it belongs in the middle-grade classroom or should it be read with caution and context?
Let’s talk about it.
Drop your thoughts below or head over to my socials to chat more bookish thoughts and theories. 💙
📖 Explore More in the Library