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Stone River Crossing
Martha Tom knows better than to cross the Bok Chitto River to pick blackberries. The Bok Chitto is the only border between her town in the Choctaw Nation and the slave-owning plantation in Mississippi territory. The slave owners could catch her, too. What was she thinking? But crossing the river brings a surprise friendship with Lil Mo, a boy who is enslaved on the other side. When Lil Mo discovers that his mother is about to be sold and the rest of his family left behind. But Martha Tom has the answer: cross the Bok Chitto and become free.
Crossing to freedom with his family seems impossible with slave catchers roaming, but then there is a miraclea magical night where things become unseen and souls walk on water. By morning, Lil Mo discovers he has entered a completely new world of tradition, community, and . . . a little magic. But as Lil Mo's family adjusts to their new life, danger waits just around the corner.
In an expansion of his award-winning picture book Crossing Bok Chitto, acclaimed Choctaw storyteller Tim Tingle offers a story that reminds readers that the strongest bridge between cultures is friendship.
Crossing to freedom with his family seems impossible with slave catchers roaming, but then there is a miraclea magical night where things become unseen and souls walk on water. By morning, Lil Mo discovers he has entered a completely new world of tradition, community, and . . . a little magic. But as Lil Mo's family adjusts to their new life, danger waits just around the corner.
In an expansion of his award-winning picture book Crossing Bok Chitto, acclaimed Choctaw storyteller Tim Tingle offers a story that reminds readers that the strongest bridge between cultures is friendship.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2019
14 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Tim Tingle
50 books128 followersTim Tingle, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is a popular presenter at storytelling and folklore festivals across America. He was featured at the 2002 National Storytelling Festival. In 2004, he was a Teller-In-Residence at The International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough, Tennessee. Choctaw Chief Gregory Pyle has requested a story by Tingle previous to his Annual State of the Nation Address at the Choctaw Labor Day Gathering--a celebration that attracts over thirty thousand people-- from 2002 to the present.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 30, 2020
Stone River Crossing has an exciting premise: An enslaved black boy escapes the plantation with the help of a Choctaw girl. The book was the creation of Tim Tingle, a well-known storyteller and member of the Choctaw nation. While I was still reading it, a strange thing happened. Scholastic pulled Tingle’s next book, Doc and the Detective, from publication. This wasn’t the first time I’ve heard of titles being pulled, but it was the first time I was aware of the author and his work. Scholastic’s decision to end his contract occurred after accusations from two booksellers who claimed Tingle touched their knees and patted them on the head. He also interrupted them and insisted that they read his book. One of the bookstore owners, Alicia Michielli, was quoted In Publishers Weekly as saying, “I would have loved to have sold a book by an older, Native American man.” Clearly, she is pointing out his culture, but more significantly his age—without perhaps seeing that she was expecting him to know social rules which were only recently created. Even Michielli admitted she did not favor canceling Tingle’s contract. Yet, not feeling reprimanding him on the spot was enough (which they did), they also reported it to the American Booksellers Association, and that was that. We need diverse books, and in this case at least, the value of the art should trump the personality of the artist.
With that in mind, I need to be honest and say that of all the middle grade books I’ve been reading lately, Stone River Crossing isn’t one of my favorites, mainly because I found the author’s changes in point of view disconcerting. In any one scene, he is likely to change from one character’s thoughts to that of another. However, the chapters are short, which children appreciate, while adults might think of as choppy. The descriptions are vivid enough. Perhaps he’s better with shorter stories or picture books. But then, readers aren’t all English teachers paying attention to point of view.
The plot, if not the language, might save it for children. Martha Tom knows where the Choctaws have laid down stones in the river, making it possible for her to cross to the Mississippi side, where slaves live on a plantation. She goes across to pick blackberries, meets Lil Mo, a slave boy, and a friendship blossoms.
The slave family is able to escape by a series of magical events-- being rendered invisible by Choctaw magic very close to the start of the book, for example, but the magic doesn’t stop there. Bledsoe the overseer, who made sure slaves were kept in line, suddenly sees his whip turn into a rattlesnake, which turns around to bite him. We learn something unusual about the Choctaws. They believe rattlesnakes are friends of the Choctaw and can’t be killed. They consider owls, however, evil. My credibility waned and I was even a little bored around some of the fantastic tales, but middle-grade children who enjoy fantasy would have less of a problem with suspending disbelief. It was a struggle for me to finish this book. However, because a story about one of the earliest American peoples is a rarity in children’s literature, it is certainly one to be included in a child’s reading list.
With that in mind, I need to be honest and say that of all the middle grade books I’ve been reading lately, Stone River Crossing isn’t one of my favorites, mainly because I found the author’s changes in point of view disconcerting. In any one scene, he is likely to change from one character’s thoughts to that of another. However, the chapters are short, which children appreciate, while adults might think of as choppy. The descriptions are vivid enough. Perhaps he’s better with shorter stories or picture books. But then, readers aren’t all English teachers paying attention to point of view.
The plot, if not the language, might save it for children. Martha Tom knows where the Choctaws have laid down stones in the river, making it possible for her to cross to the Mississippi side, where slaves live on a plantation. She goes across to pick blackberries, meets Lil Mo, a slave boy, and a friendship blossoms.
The slave family is able to escape by a series of magical events-- being rendered invisible by Choctaw magic very close to the start of the book, for example, but the magic doesn’t stop there. Bledsoe the overseer, who made sure slaves were kept in line, suddenly sees his whip turn into a rattlesnake, which turns around to bite him. We learn something unusual about the Choctaws. They believe rattlesnakes are friends of the Choctaw and can’t be killed. They consider owls, however, evil. My credibility waned and I was even a little bored around some of the fantastic tales, but middle-grade children who enjoy fantasy would have less of a problem with suspending disbelief. It was a struggle for me to finish this book. However, because a story about one of the earliest American peoples is a rarity in children’s literature, it is certainly one to be included in a child’s reading list.
August 12, 2019
I gave this book a higher rating not because I loved it, but because I appreciated many aspects of the book even though it wasn't really what I expected and wasn't, in my opinion, well written.
I appreciated that this was based on historical events (well, as far as slaves crossing a river to Choctaw land where they were free). I really appreciated that the author was learning more about his heritage and helping continue a storytelling tradition. I REALLY appreciated the use of indigenous language throughout the book. I appreciated the Choctaw worldview exhibited here. I liked the mix of historical fiction and magic.
But what did i not like? Well, I expected the main plot to be about a slave family struggling to cross a river into freedom. Well no, they crossed the river within the first 50 pages. The main story was not really disclosed on the description. There was also significantly more magic involved than I expected (often without any explanation of why things were happening, which was confusing). Overall, this book worked more as a collection of little short stories about the lives of the characters rather than one story clearly progressing from beginning to end with a clear plot to guide it. That being said, I appreciated it enough to give it 4 stars.
I appreciated that this was based on historical events (well, as far as slaves crossing a river to Choctaw land where they were free). I really appreciated that the author was learning more about his heritage and helping continue a storytelling tradition. I REALLY appreciated the use of indigenous language throughout the book. I appreciated the Choctaw worldview exhibited here. I liked the mix of historical fiction and magic.
But what did i not like? Well, I expected the main plot to be about a slave family struggling to cross a river into freedom. Well no, they crossed the river within the first 50 pages. The main story was not really disclosed on the description. There was also significantly more magic involved than I expected (often without any explanation of why things were happening, which was confusing). Overall, this book worked more as a collection of little short stories about the lives of the characters rather than one story clearly progressing from beginning to end with a clear plot to guide it. That being said, I appreciated it enough to give it 4 stars.
August 16, 2019
I was surprised to find that much of this book is in a magical/mystical realm. About 2/3 of the way through I was frustrated by this since I hadn't expected it but it ends so beautifully, I ended up really appreciating it. The author's note in the back about telling the stories of Native Americans culture was very moving. I hope that more of these stories are told. Highly recommended for older kids (it is a little intense at times).
September 6, 2019
Tim Tingle has opened a window wider into the past about the relationship between the Choctaw nation and African-American slaves in his new book, Stone River Crossing. As I began reading the book, I had a sense of déjà vu. As it turns out, the first 50 pages are an enhanced telling of the story found in his picture book Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom (Cinco Puntos Press, c2006).
The time is before the American Civil War and young Martha Tom has been tasked by her mother to pick and bring home some blackberries for dinner. She knows it is forbidden and there is danger for Choctaw to cross the Bok Chitto River, however that is the only place she can find blackberries still on bushes to pick. When she finds herself lost on the plantation side of the river in the woods, she is afraid. Found by a group of slaves holding a "church service" in the woods because this is forbidden on the plantation, Martha is escorted home by a young slave boy named Lil Mo. When they reach the river, she shows her new friend a hidden stone crossing over the river. When Lil Mo learns that his mother is about to be sold to another slave owner, he proposes to his family that they cross the Bok Chitto to freedom -- the land claimed by the Choctaw. The runaway slaves are embraced by their new neighbors fully. So begins Lil Mo's education of Choctaw way of life.
Filled with episodes of magical realism for Martha and Lil Mo, Tingle has firmly set this book in the past as he retells stories he heard from a tribal elder he met in Mississippi while doing research for his master's degree. He sprinkles the text with Choctaw language lending authenticity to the story, defining the terms within the story and/or including it in a glossary (with pronunciations) in the back. Expository information is tucked in throughout. For example, Martha explains to Lil Mo that the Choctaw were used as slaves before African slaves were imported, and bought/sold. Readers will need to swallow hard during passages of magical realism - i.e. the slaves escaping by thinking themselves "invisible" to the plantation guards (personally, I began think about the movie "The Music Man", Professor Harold Hill, and "The Think System") and the story string about Lil Mo falling under the spell of the owl witch who tells him the opposite of what his Choctaw friends have done for him. Generally, characters and the story lines were very well developed and woven, though the story lines of both Harold the bully and Mr. Porter/Jonathan seem a bit contrived and the ending wrapped up a bit too neatly. Tingle wisely uses chapter titles to foreshadow what action will take place. There is a good balance of humor and serious matter throughout the book, keeping this from being too heavy to read.
I have one question for Mr. Tingle: Is the Bok Chitto River the Choctaw name for the river now called the Bogue Chitto? You never explain this in either of your books or provide a map...
An important story told from within the Native American point of view.
Recommended for grades 5-8.
The time is before the American Civil War and young Martha Tom has been tasked by her mother to pick and bring home some blackberries for dinner. She knows it is forbidden and there is danger for Choctaw to cross the Bok Chitto River, however that is the only place she can find blackberries still on bushes to pick. When she finds herself lost on the plantation side of the river in the woods, she is afraid. Found by a group of slaves holding a "church service" in the woods because this is forbidden on the plantation, Martha is escorted home by a young slave boy named Lil Mo. When they reach the river, she shows her new friend a hidden stone crossing over the river. When Lil Mo learns that his mother is about to be sold to another slave owner, he proposes to his family that they cross the Bok Chitto to freedom -- the land claimed by the Choctaw. The runaway slaves are embraced by their new neighbors fully. So begins Lil Mo's education of Choctaw way of life.
Filled with episodes of magical realism for Martha and Lil Mo, Tingle has firmly set this book in the past as he retells stories he heard from a tribal elder he met in Mississippi while doing research for his master's degree. He sprinkles the text with Choctaw language lending authenticity to the story, defining the terms within the story and/or including it in a glossary (with pronunciations) in the back. Expository information is tucked in throughout. For example, Martha explains to Lil Mo that the Choctaw were used as slaves before African slaves were imported, and bought/sold. Readers will need to swallow hard during passages of magical realism - i.e. the slaves escaping by thinking themselves "invisible" to the plantation guards (personally, I began think about the movie "The Music Man", Professor Harold Hill, and "The Think System") and the story string about Lil Mo falling under the spell of the owl witch who tells him the opposite of what his Choctaw friends have done for him. Generally, characters and the story lines were very well developed and woven, though the story lines of both Harold the bully and Mr. Porter/Jonathan seem a bit contrived and the ending wrapped up a bit too neatly. Tingle wisely uses chapter titles to foreshadow what action will take place. There is a good balance of humor and serious matter throughout the book, keeping this from being too heavy to read.
I have one question for Mr. Tingle: Is the Bok Chitto River the Choctaw name for the river now called the Bogue Chitto? You never explain this in either of your books or provide a map...
An important story told from within the Native American point of view.
Recommended for grades 5-8.
October 16, 2019
Didn't hold my interest. The characters were flat and too simplistic. In the portion I read, the novel lacked cultural detail. Native Own Voices authors for children are few in number for sure, but there are better books out there. Try Louise Erdrich or Sherman Alexie. Much like Alexie, however, Mr. Tingle is now involved in a bit of scandal and his publisher has dropped his forthcoming book.
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December 20, 2019The Bok Chitto River—and much more—lies between Martha Tom and Lil Mo, between friends. But Tim Tingle reminds us that crossing a river can be a beautiful thing.
August 6, 2020
Another one from the backlist! 4.5⭐️ for this #ownvoices historical novel from publisher @leeandlow about a Choctaw girl and an enslaved Black boy who become friends.
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Lil Mo's family is enslaved and works the fields on a plantation in Mississippi. One day he befriends a young Choctaw girl, Martha Tom, on the other side of the Bok Chitto River. Martha Tom teaches Lil Mo the secret stone river crossing, which proves invaluable when Lil Mo's mother is sold and the family must escape to Choctaw land. The people of the Choctaw Nation accept Lil Mo's family and Lil Mo is given an uncle, an elder by the name of Funi Man. The plantation owners are furious that the family has escaped, however, and are determined to recover their "property." Lil Mo's family is integrated into the Choctaw; they begin to learn the language and the customs of their new community. When Lil Mo is cursed by a witch, however, Funi Man must go on a journey to rescue Lil Mo's spirit.
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Stone River Crossing is beautifully written and an important middle grade book about a rarely explored part of history. The interdependence of community in the Choctaw Nation and their willingness to help other people affected by white colonization and white supremacy in the early 1800s. The afterword by author Tingle (Choctaw) explains his sources and the oral tradition of the Choctaw that helped him uncover this history.
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"We Natives must continue recounting our past and, hopefully from this book, non-Indians might realize the sweet and secret fire that drives the Indian heart. We are proud of who we are. We are determined that our way, shared by many of all races -- a way of respect for others and the land we live on -- will prevail." -afterword by the author
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
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Lil Mo's family is enslaved and works the fields on a plantation in Mississippi. One day he befriends a young Choctaw girl, Martha Tom, on the other side of the Bok Chitto River. Martha Tom teaches Lil Mo the secret stone river crossing, which proves invaluable when Lil Mo's mother is sold and the family must escape to Choctaw land. The people of the Choctaw Nation accept Lil Mo's family and Lil Mo is given an uncle, an elder by the name of Funi Man. The plantation owners are furious that the family has escaped, however, and are determined to recover their "property." Lil Mo's family is integrated into the Choctaw; they begin to learn the language and the customs of their new community. When Lil Mo is cursed by a witch, however, Funi Man must go on a journey to rescue Lil Mo's spirit.
.
.
.
Stone River Crossing is beautifully written and an important middle grade book about a rarely explored part of history. The interdependence of community in the Choctaw Nation and their willingness to help other people affected by white colonization and white supremacy in the early 1800s. The afterword by author Tingle (Choctaw) explains his sources and the oral tradition of the Choctaw that helped him uncover this history.
.
.
.
"We Natives must continue recounting our past and, hopefully from this book, non-Indians might realize the sweet and secret fire that drives the Indian heart. We are proud of who we are. We are determined that our way, shared by many of all races -- a way of respect for others and the land we live on -- will prevail." -afterword by the author
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.
.
#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
August 28, 2019
Lil mo and his family are enslaved and about to be separated. But Lil Mo has made a friend, martha Tom, from across the river. She is Choctaw and knows the secrets of the river and manages to get his family out alive, and together. Thus begins Lil Mo's life with the Choctaw Nation, where he learns their ways. There are some episodes on the other side of the river, with Joseph, the slave guard's son who is also Lil Mo's best friend, but most of it follows Lil Mo as he figures out his new life.
There's a big chunk about a witch, and that leads to an adventure and some terror. The ending also adds some more terror, as the plantation owners and guards are none too happy to know the people they believe they own are living free on the other side of the river.
It's a really interesting story about Lil Mo learning about how the Choctaw live with a lot of Choctaw words. I loved that part, although sometimes the plot got weird, and the story after the witch owl portion was meandering. But I still liked Lil Mo and his friends and seeing something in a book that I have rarely had the opportunity to see.
There's a big chunk about a witch, and that leads to an adventure and some terror. The ending also adds some more terror, as the plantation owners and guards are none too happy to know the people they believe they own are living free on the other side of the river.
It's a really interesting story about Lil Mo learning about how the Choctaw live with a lot of Choctaw words. I loved that part, although sometimes the plot got weird, and the story after the witch owl portion was meandering. But I still liked Lil Mo and his friends and seeing something in a book that I have rarely had the opportunity to see.
October 4, 2020
Stone River Crossing, on the Hornbook's Indigenous People's Day 2019 list, is written by Oklahoma Choctaw, Tim Tingle. Tim retraced the Trail of Tears to Choctaw homelands in Mississippi and began recording stories of tribal elders. From those stories he wrote the picture book, Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom, where a Choctaw girl rescues a family from pre-Civil War slavery by leading them across the Bok Chitto river. He later wrote, Stone River Crossing, a chapter book tale inspired by his original picture book. In this history-based tale, Martha becomes friends with Mo across the river. She learns that his mother is about to be sold and the rest of the family left behind. Martha leads Mo's entire family to freedom across the Bok Chitto river. I like how this story reminds us that one of the strongest bridges between cultures is friendship. Any fourth through sixth grader would enjoy this book, but it would fit in nicely with the fourth-grade Social Studies Common Core standard SS.H.1.4.
July 16, 2019
Martha Tom, a Choctaw girl, crosses the river and befriends Lil' Mo whose enslaved family works on a plantation in the Southeastern United States in the early 1800's. Soon after, Lil' Mo's family is threatened with forced separation. Told with humor, warmth and heart, this story has a climax based on Choctaw folklore, told with magical realism. Fascinating and compelling.
Tom Tingle is an Oklahoma Choctaw who's traveled back to Mississippi to learn stories from those members of the tribe that resisted relocation. This story is influenced by those tales. Whites, Blacks and Native Americans have in our past joined together to support all “good people” and, Mr. Tingle implies, we can do it again.
Tom Tingle is an Oklahoma Choctaw who's traveled back to Mississippi to learn stories from those members of the tribe that resisted relocation. This story is influenced by those tales. Whites, Blacks and Native Americans have in our past joined together to support all “good people” and, Mr. Tingle implies, we can do it again.
November 15, 2020
There is a lot that is great about this book. The storyline has some complexity to it for a Choctaw / Enslaved African narrative before the Civil War. It is not too intense for an end of the year 4th - 6th grader reader but it does teach some hard history. It is an #own voice author and it is on the shorter side. It kept my attention and I wanted it to be a book that I could recommend for a class read aloud but alas, I am not sure. The characters felt a bit flat and the magical realism that comes into play 2/3 of the way through the book felt out of place. The ending was strong however and it has left a lasting impression. It is worth giving a try.
March 2, 2021
Think this book had a nice sturdy structure and a good beginning, and I really liked the relationship between Lil Mo and his family, and the Choctaw people, and how they overcame Bledsoe and his cronies.
I gave this book 3 stars because I couldn't figure out how to do 2 and a half stars, but if I knew how to do that I would say I gave it half the stars because I liked half the book. I feel like it could be split into 2 separate parts part 1 Escape from Bledsoe Part 2 The Witches curse. I didn't like part 2 because it was a sudden unexpected turn that was hard to understand and anticipate.
I gave this book 3 stars because I couldn't figure out how to do 2 and a half stars, but if I knew how to do that I would say I gave it half the stars because I liked half the book. I feel like it could be split into 2 separate parts part 1 Escape from Bledsoe Part 2 The Witches curse. I didn't like part 2 because it was a sudden unexpected turn that was hard to understand and anticipate.
March 12, 2021
This one had some interseting bits, and I learned a lot about the Choctaw people. There were a lot of mystical elements to the story relating to what I assume are Choctaw traditions and stories.
I didn't particularly enjoy reading the book, however. The dialogue in this book was not well written. It was awkward and boring. I had some problems with the plot of the story as well, and it kind of meandered too much for me. Also I think there were some editing problems-- at some points Lil Mo had one sister, at other points he had multiple sisters. My son thought it the book was okay but didn't love it.
I didn't particularly enjoy reading the book, however. The dialogue in this book was not well written. It was awkward and boring. I had some problems with the plot of the story as well, and it kind of meandered too much for me. Also I think there were some editing problems-- at some points Lil Mo had one sister, at other points he had multiple sisters. My son thought it the book was okay but didn't love it.
June 2, 2024
I wanted to love this since the context would make it a perfect novel for fourth grade Mississippi curriculum, but it just fell flat as a story. The story was choppy and it went in too many directions at the end. It started off so well and I thought there would be more conflict between the natives and the plantation owners but everything was just a-okay. It wasn’t stressful enough. And what was up with that owl witch in the middle? Was that supposed to be the rising action and climax of the story? He tells Lil Mo that he can’t trust anyone, and then Lil Mo just goes off and lives his best life with his betrothed afterwards? Very weird pacing from such an acclaimed author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2019
Using historical research and his Native American storytelling talent, Tim Tingle has woven a tale using history and Native mysticism to create a universal story of love and acceptance. Stone River Crossing is an intriguing tale of a Choctaw band rescuing a family of slaves and welcoming them into the community. This book would be a great fit for children ages 9 - 15 who love to learn about other cultures.
Read
September 15, 2020I was surprised to find that much of this book is in a magical/mystical realm. About 2/3 of the way through I was frustrated by this since I hadn't expected it but it ends so beautifully, I ended up really appreciating it. The author's note in the back about telling the stories of Native Americans’ culture was very moving. I hope that more of these stories are told. Highly recommended for older kids (it is a little intense at times).
November 15, 2020
This middle-grade novel tells about a time and a place I know little about. Here Tingle weaves a story about the interactions and tensions between the Choctaw people, enslaved people, and plantation owners in early-19th-century Mississippi. Although it's not expertly written and the plot takes a couple of bizarre turns, this novel is worth a read for the portrayal of the different cultures and for the conversations the story sparks.
February 17, 2021
A Choctaw Nation girl Martha Tom helps a slave boy and his family cross the Bok Chitto River to escape slavery. Lil mo learns a lot about the Choctaw nations culture, language and way of living. He goes through a lot of learning opportunities. He becomes friends with Funi man, Koi Losa and his old “white” friend Joseph all help him through his new life and adventure.
Learning a lot of new words
Hoke-good/okay
Yakoke- thank you
Learning a lot of new words
Hoke-good/okay
Yakoke- thank you
February 2, 2023
I enjoyed this other than the witch owl man part. Its a part of history I know nothing about and would like to know more so I can give my kids a full history education instead of just the “pretty” side I was taught. I understand that maybe I’m missing something due to culture differences but it went too far into the darkness for my taste. Glad I read it before handing it to my fifth grader as I’m sure she’d have nightmares.
April 21, 2025
2.5 stars: I was so excited to read this book, but was sorely disappointed. The original plot of the book kind of gets abandoned halfway through to pursue a more magical one, but with little payoff. Plus, the main relationship between Martha Tom and Lil Mo is ignored throughout the entire middle of the book, but is revived at the end? So many interesting plotlines were abandoned- Joseph's father's imprisonment for one. There was so much potential wasted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
I read this because I was familiar with the picture book on which it was based, Crossing the Bok Chitto, and thought it would be nice to read an expanded version of the story that told what happened next.
It was okay, not great or exciting, but a decent read with much needed authentic Native American representation.
It was okay, not great or exciting, but a decent read with much needed authentic Native American representation.
November 30, 2020
"We are all in this yogether".
What a wonderful book. And s wonderful story of diversity. This book starts eith Tingle's story of Crossing. Bok Chitto and continues with an adventurous story of what happens after crossing the river.
For middle grade readers instead of a children's nook but a great read for all ages.
Great folklore stories weaved throughout.
What a wonderful book. And s wonderful story of diversity. This book starts eith Tingle's story of Crossing. Bok Chitto and continues with an adventurous story of what happens after crossing the river.
For middle grade readers instead of a children's nook but a great read for all ages.
Great folklore stories weaved throughout.
June 24, 2021
I wanted to enjoy this book because I like the author's other work, but I found the text repetitive and not particularly engaging. And the supernatural aspect felt poorly integrated into the other part of the story. Lastly, his use of the phrase "field worker" to refer to enslaved people felt uncomfortable and tone-deaf. This is not a recommended read for me.
July 28, 2019
Learned a lot about life within the Choctaw Nation in Mississippi Territory during 1800s. Until now, I hadn’t considered the relationship and tension between slave holding cotton plantations and the Choctaw Nation.
October 4, 2021
I really liked the beginning of the book, exploring the relationship between the Choctaw and nearby enslaved people. But it dragged on for me and I lost interest two-thirds through. I appreciated the authentic voice and details shared.
April 12, 2022
I really loved Crossing Bok Chitto, and I like the idea behind this -- but the voice is strange -- the first part is Bok Chitto in entirety, then the expansion, long story for something that reads like a picture book.
January 17, 2024
Definitely the best book I’ve read within the last 6 months. I loved the portrayal of the different types of relationships you can have as a black child especially during the years of slavery. There were great characters on all sides and this story did very well at showing that.
Want to read
November 1, 2024This book uses the word "worker" for enslaved peoples, read more on why this book is not recommended here: https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...
July 6, 2019
Did not enjoy.
July 12, 2019
Good story well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews