River Between Us
by Richard Peck
Scholastic 2003
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and its costs
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Genre
Themes
- family secrets
- identity
- prejudice and race
- loyalty
- war and its costs
- courage
- belonging
- brotherhood
About this book
On the brink of the Civil War, two mysterious sisters from New Orleans arrive in a small Illinois river town, changing one family’s life forever. Through the eyes of a young narrator hearing his grandmother’s story years later, readers glimpse divided loyalties, the pull of the Mississippi, and the costs of a nation at war. Richard Peck blends suspense, family secrets, and rich historical detail into a short, powerful novel. Perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy history with heart and a page-turning mystery.
Setting: Grand Tower, Illinois along the Mississippi River during the Civil War (with a 1916 frame story)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is River Between Us right for my child?
Yes — River Between Us is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family secrets, identity, prejudice and race.
How long does it take to read River Between Us?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, River Between Us takes around 4.3h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does River Between Us have an AR quiz?
Yes — River Between Us has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is River Between Us?
River Between Us has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.