The River Between Us

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. This story is set during the American Civil War. List facts and themes that you recall from prior learning about the Civil War. Specifically, how did the war impact civilians and people at home?

Teaching Suggestion: This question is designed to help students think about the theme of The Effects of War. Consider turning this discussion into a cheat sheet or student-created anchor chart for all students to reference throughout the course of the novel. You may also want to add to the chart as your class reads through the novel.

• This 4-minute video explores the ways women were involved in the Civil War.
• This Common Lit resource includes an article and guided questions pertaining to the start of the Civil War. Note: A free account is required to download (but not view) this resource.

2. What is a frame narrative? What might this style add to the overall story?

Teaching Suggestion: The first and last chapters of this novel are told from a grandchild’s perspective, while the rest is told by Tilly, whom he believes to be his grandmother. Consider providing students with a definition or modern examples to help them understand how the literary device of framing narratives works. You may also want to revisit this question at the end of the novel to see how their reading of the frame impacted their understanding of the novel.

• This 3-minute video defines and gives examples of frame narratives.
• This website provides additional examples of frame narratives from a variety of genres.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

What is your heritage? Is this something you are proud of? Why or why not? Does it impact how your family does things?

Teaching Suggestion: This question is designed to help students grapple with the theme of Pride in Identity and Heritage. Consider defining heritage for students who may be unfamiliar with the concept. For students who do not know their background or heritage, consider broadening the concept to include the people in their family—for example, “How does having the parents you do impact your life?” You may also want to make this prompt a personal journal or individual assignment if you have students whose heritage pride may cause conflicts in the class.