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Lights on the River
Teresa, a member of a migrant working family, longs for her grandmother's peaceful home back in Mexico
Hardcover
First published September 1, 1994
About the author
Jane Resh Thomas
19 books5 followersJane Resh Thomas has written more than a dozen fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the highly praised Behind the Mask for Clarion. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 21, 2017
Probably an interesting bit of history.....but I was so bored with the story, I didn't finish reading it.
March 18, 2021
So sad but true. Beautiful pictures.
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February 22, 2025Quiet and poignant.
April 6, 2015
This picture book introduces some of the poor conditions of migrant workers, told through the eyes of young Teresa and her family who moved to the US from Mexico for work. The book focused around one time when her family was told to live in a chicken coop with a pump and outhouse, despite being modern day. Could be a companion to Amelia's Road.
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February 11, 2009I love this book about migrant workers because it evokes a desire to be more compassionate to the disadvantaged.
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October 30, 2017“Lights on the River” by Jane Resh Thomas and Michael Dooling; published by Hyperion Books; copyright 1994
Awards this book has received: None.
Appropriate grade level(s): First through second grade.
Summary: A young girl named Teresa talks about her family working in the fields while she watches her little brother. The family found different jobs depending on seasons, causing them to travel often. Some Christmas traditions down on the river were shared; such as songs and a candle burning.
Review: I personally did not love this book. I found it to be boring and I do not think young children would follow along well. Although, I loved the illustrations because they told the story so beautifully. I did like that it was a story about someone’s life and traditions.
Uses in the classroom:
-Think/Pair/Share: What are some traditions your family does? Do you celebrate Christmas? What do you do?
-Think/Pair/Share: Do any students have a family member that has to travel for their job? How do you feel?
Awards this book has received: None.
Appropriate grade level(s): First through second grade.
Summary: A young girl named Teresa talks about her family working in the fields while she watches her little brother. The family found different jobs depending on seasons, causing them to travel often. Some Christmas traditions down on the river were shared; such as songs and a candle burning.
Review: I personally did not love this book. I found it to be boring and I do not think young children would follow along well. Although, I loved the illustrations because they told the story so beautifully. I did like that it was a story about someone’s life and traditions.
Uses in the classroom:
-Think/Pair/Share: What are some traditions your family does? Do you celebrate Christmas? What do you do?
-Think/Pair/Share: Do any students have a family member that has to travel for their job? How do you feel?
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews