On TV we watch our city where people navigate the river-streets in any way they can....

"Look." Max points. "it's Sarah's house."

All I see is roof.

In searing personal poems, Jane Kurtz explores what it's like to struggle through a flood and pull your life together afterward. Inspired by Kurtz's own flood experience, this tale is realistic and unforgettable. Not just a moving story of one girl's courage, River Friendly, River Wild is a tribute to everyone who's ever faced great loss.

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Jane Kurtz

Jane Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon, but spent most of her childhood in Ethiopia. Jane speaks about being an author at schools and conferences and helped start Ethiopia Reads (EthiopiaReads.org), a nonprofit that has opened the first libraries for children in Ethiopia. She is the author of many books for children, including What Do They Do with All that Poo?, illustrated by Allison Black; Do Kangaroos Wear Seat Belts?, illustrated by Jane Manning; Anna Was Here; Clara the Triumphant Rhinoceros, illustrated by Claire Messer; and the American Girl book Lanie.

About The Illustrator

Neil Brennan

Product Details

Publisher: Aladdin (March 6, 2007)
Length: 40 pages
ISBN13: 9781416934875
Ages: 4 - 8
Lexile ® AD630L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

"The illustrations are glowing. Portrayals of the family and the neighborhood emphasize closeness and working together, underlining the message of community and cooperation."
-- School Library Journal

"A book about the nature of home, community, and picking up the pieces."
-- Booklist

"Offer[s] a clear sense of what it's like to live through a flood"
-- Horn Book

"Powerful...an evocative look at recovery from personal loss."
-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Awards and Honors

CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Resources and Downloads

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Book Cover Image (jpg): River Friendly, River Wild
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Author Photo (jpg): Jane Kurtz
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River Friendly, River Wild

Table of Contents

About The Book