The Light Across the River: A Novel [Paperback]

Stephanie Reed (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2008

This dramatic sequel to Across the Wide River follows Johnny Rankin as he tries to live up to his family's selfless tradition as conductors on the Underground Railroad.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

During her childhood, Stephanie Reed's family would often pass through Ripley on their way to her grandparents' home. The signs she read there about the Rankin house were what prompted her to write Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River. After working for nearly a decade with the Dayton Metro Library, Stephanie is now a volunteer spotter for the National Weather Service. She lives with her husband and two children in Dublin, Ohio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications; 1st edition (April 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825435749
• ISBN-13: 978-0825435744
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #487,405 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in Cincinnati.

When I was eight, a fifth-grade boy punched me in the stomach because I told him to stop picking on my first-grade brother. Well, I did clobber the bully over the head with my umbrella first.

My husband and I were married in Dayton.

I wear hearing aids.

My kids festooned my bed with Charmin without waking me up, one glorious April Fool's morn.

I am a born-again Christian.

I make great brownies.

Find out more at StephanieLReed.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal for teaching about abolitionism and slavery, July 5, 2008

By 

Stephenie Hovland (Green Bay, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Light Across the River: A Novel (Paperback)

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.)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting Tale Transports to Another Time, June 4, 2008

By 

Adam D. Blumer "BookBug" (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Light Across the River: A Novel (Paperback)

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!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific read!, May 28, 2008

By 

Carmella Vanvleet "author" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Light Across the River: A Novel (Paperback)

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.