The Light Across the River

by Stephanie Reed

In this powerful sequel to Across the Wide River, the Rankin home is still a beacon of freedom on the Underground Railroad. Johnny, the seventh of thirteen children in the Rankin family, is growing up quickly and in 1837 is eager to take on the same responsibilities as the rest of his family. But Johnny's father and his brother Lowry think Johnny is too young and too hotheaded to help with something as important and secretive as the Underground...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825435749
• ISBN13: 9780825435744
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Exciting and Heartwarming Adventure

Light Across the River is the sequel to Across the Wide River. Both historical novels by Stephanie Reed tell the story of the Rankin family, conductors for the Underground Railroad. Reed's careful research shows in the authentic dialogue and settings. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and recommend reading it first, but this book stands on its own. Reading the exciting and heartwarming adventure told through the eyes of Johnny Rankin and Eliza, a runaway slave, I cried, I laughed, and I learned. I shivered as the chunks of ice gave way under Eliza's feet as she navigated the Ohio River in her desperate escape from slavery. Taking in shallow breaths, I could almost hear the slave hunters' dogs and prayed that Eliza wouldn't be found before she made her way to freedom - something we take for granted. You'll never forget the story. What a treasure trove of information and inspiration! Though designated as juvenile fiction, this is a book for all ages.

Ideal for teaching about abolitionism and slavery

I wish I would've read the first book, but I will do that soon! This book stands on its own. Each character and setting contributes to the plot and history that unfold in the book. As I read this book, I couldn't help but make plans for my classroom. If I had a copy of this novel for each student, we could do an in-depth study of it. I see great potential for classroom use. From reading skills like makind predictions and inferring to math (real-life problems) to history (of course!) I see drama possibilities and debate teams taking up the issue of helping those who cross the river vs. following the law of the land vs. going into slave territory and rescuing people. I hope Stephanie has started a classroom companion book for teachers. There are so many ways to use each chapter, the book is worth every penny (and then some!) Although this is said to be a Christian book, I found it no more "religious" than Hattie Big Sky. The religious references are natural to the characters and time period. So, any public school should feel comfortable adopting this book into their library and curriculum. Now, just because I like the book, and I'm a teacher, doesn't mean it reads like a textbook. Far from it. Kids who like historical fiction will most definitely love it. Kids who like adventure will also like it (especially the last half when Johnny gets closer to the action and closer to getting killed.)

Riveting Tale Transports to Another Time

This exciting page turner does a fantastic job of transporting the reader to another time period and showing what life must have been like for those involved in the Underground Railroad. I can tell the author did lots of homework to recreate the environment with authentic characters, dialogue, and other historical details. I truly felt transported to another time. The hair-raising escapes also had me on the edge of my seat, particularly for the last fifty pages as I wondered whether Eliza, Beulah, and her children would escape to freedom. I particularly related to Johnny's struggle. Who has never opened his mouth and later regretted something he said? The author did a wonderful job of making Johnny three-dimensional and sympathetic. Poor Johnny couldn't keep this mouth closed, but what an important lesson he learned about God's forgiveness in spite of his mistakes! I really like how the author tied Eliza to Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The ending historical note added context to this powerful and fascinating detail. Again, the author deserves lots of credit for spinning such an engaging tale within the context of accurate historical record. The story concluded with a strong, satisfying finish that left me wanting more. I'm hoping for another novel about the Rankin family and their God-fearing ways. Don't miss this one!

Terrific read!

I loved Across the Wide River so I was anxiously looking forward to this sequel. I was not disappointed! This books continues the story of the Rankin family and yet, stands completely on its own. (Which is a rare feat for sequels.) I loved the how the story was told both through Johnny's eyes (another Rankin family member) and Eliza (a runaway slave.) Both stories were equally compelling. Johnny struggled with understanding the cruelty of slavery, keeping his family's secret and his desire to become a "conductor". And Eliza struggled against incredible odds to find freedom for her entire family. It was very suspenseful; I found myself ignoring everything else around me to find out what happened next. The writing is beautiful, almost lyrical at times and Reed does an excellent job of creating an historically accurate setting. It would make a great classroom read aloud. (Public school teachers should be aware that the story is Christian based. The Light Across the River isn't overly evangelistic, though.) I was surprised and moved by the heartbreaking, high price slaves and those who supported them on their way to freedom paid. I guess I never really gave it much thought before. I have a feeling the Rankins and Eliza will be on my mind for a long time to come.

Wonderful, Inspiring Read! (or Reed!)

This historical novel will transport you into the pre-Civil War times of the Underground Railroad, into the lives of those who struggled to gain their freedom and into the lives of those who put their Christian faith into action day in and day out as they sought to assist those who were trying to escape from slavery. Stephanie Reed has done an excellent job in this sequel to ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER of capturing and bringing to life for the reader the struggles, dangers, fears, and joys of the Rankins, Eliza, and their families and friends. I found the book to be exciting, informative, and most of all wonderfully inspiring. I highly recommend it.