The River Between Us

Although the novel is about the Civil War, most of the story takes place away from battle. What does this novel tell readers about the overarching effects of war? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the question.

• Which lives are lost due to the war?
• How are each of the characters changed by the end of the novel, even if they never fought?
• What are some of the long-lasting effects of the war on the family?

Teaching Suggestion: This question helps students grapple with the theme of The Effects of War. Consider breaking the class into groups by character to examine how the war affects each person individually. Then, students might compare the effects to draw larger conclusions about war in general.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who struggle with reading comprehension, consider breaking down the text by chapter or section. Looking at a specific moment or character may be easier for these students than trying to draw a larger conclusion about the novel as a whole.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“A Letter in War”