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Across the Wide River
Across the Wide River
Author: Stephanie Reed
The red brick home of Rev. John Rankin was a beacon--the first stop on the Underground Railroad in the North. Across the Wide River tells the true story of the sacrifices one family made to help runaway slaves.
ISBN-13: 9780825435768
ISBN-10: 0825435765
Publication Date: 11/25/2004
Pages: 144
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 4

3.4 stars, based on 4 ratings
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
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donkeycheese avatar reviewed Across the Wide River on + 1255 more book reviews
Lowry Rankin is just a young boy when he sees first hand how cruel slave owners can be. His friend Sherwood is beaten and Lowry thinks it may be his fault because he is white. This stays with young Lowry his entire life. The state of Tennessee is all for slavery, so young Lowry's father, a preacher, moves the family to Kentucky. They don't stay there long because of the cruelty to blacks and move to Ripley, Ohio along the river.

There, Lowry grows up and helps his father, who runs a safe-house that harbors slaves. Lowry helps them get to the next step and from there to the Underground Railroad. Lowry uses his Bible as his guide, believing in the value of life, no matter what color their skin is.

Lowry's father wants him to become a preacher, but Lowry is shy and doesn't think anyone would want to listen to him. So, he goes to work with his uncle and become a carpenter. He also meets and falls in love with Amanda and although the two are separated a few times, they eventually marry.

This is a remarkable story set back in the 1800's about one family's fight to help abolish slavery and the impact it had on a young lad, Lowery. You won't be able to put this novel down - it will entrance you and make you flinch at the cruelties humans can do to one another. Inspiring and captivating, you won't want to miss this one!!


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