Genre- Teen Fiction
Across the Wide River by Stephanie Reed
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2004
Number of pages- 176
Age Group- Teen/Adult
Description of book- paperback, list price $9.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-3576-5
Based on the true story of Lowry Rankin, Across the Wide River, is set in Ripley, Ohio in the 1830’s. Lowry is a teen who knows all about the evils of slavery. He’s seen friends whipped and otherwise abused by the slave hunters.
Lowry and his family are instrumental in helping with the Underground Railroad. Their home is the first stop north of the Ohio River, where from the age of eleven Lowry takes the folks onto the next safe place.
While he is confident with the job he does for his family, he is ashamed of his accent and his father wants him to join him as an abolitionist minister. Will he be able to overcome his fear or will his career be in something else.
About the author-
As a child Stephanie Reed and her family would drive through Ripley on the way to her grandparents. The signs she saw as they drove through Ripley prompted her to write this book.
She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. She is a volunteer weather spotter.
My thoughts-
What a strong family the Rankins had to be to work against slavery in an area of the country that was so dangerous. Stephanie Reed portrayed their story very well. I could close my eyes and see and feel along with Lowry as he would take the slaves to the next safe spot on the route.
It was mentioned in the “Author’s Note” that the were some pictures of Lowry’s parents. I think it would have been nice to see those pictures and others if possible to help the reader better visualize Ripley, Ohio.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes! As a matter of fact, I am going to have my children read this book as soon as they are old enough, because this is a wonderful “living book.” For now, I am going to pass it on to my teenage sister to read.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Across the Wide River by Stephanie Reed for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Rani, I tried to comment a couple of days ago, but it wasn't happening for some reason. Thanks so much for loving the Rankin family, and I hope your kids enjoy meeting them when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to have photos of the family in the book, but it's pretty expensive. To make the book accessible to more people, we had to leave them out. The sequel, The Light Across the River, does have a family photo on the cover.
If you or your readers want to sample either book, they can find the first two chapters here: http://bit.ly/rdRKvp
Thanks for sharing your readers with me!