Table of Contents
About The Book
In a stunning story that “makes history come alive” (Booklist), a boy is sent to Mammoth cave to fight a case of consumption—and ends up fighting for the lives of a secret community of escaped slaves, who are hidden deep underground.
Twelve-year-old Elias has consumption, so he is sent to Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave—the biggest cave in America—where the cool vapors are said to be healing. At first, living in a cave sounds like an adventure, but after a few days, Elias feels more sick of boredom than his illness. So he is thrilled when Stephen, one of the slaves who works in the cave, invites him to walk further through its depths.
But there are more than just tunnels and stalagmites waiting to be discovered; there are mysteries hiding around every turn. The truths they conceal are far more stunning than anything Elias could ever have imagined, and he finds himself caught in the middle of it all—while he’s supposed to be resting. But how can he focus on saving his own life when so many others are in danger?
Twelve-year-old Elias has consumption, so he is sent to Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave—the biggest cave in America—where the cool vapors are said to be healing. At first, living in a cave sounds like an adventure, but after a few days, Elias feels more sick of boredom than his illness. So he is thrilled when Stephen, one of the slaves who works in the cave, invites him to walk further through its depths.
But there are more than just tunnels and stalagmites waiting to be discovered; there are mysteries hiding around every turn. The truths they conceal are far more stunning than anything Elias could ever have imagined, and he finds himself caught in the middle of it all—while he’s supposed to be resting. But how can he focus on saving his own life when so many others are in danger?
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (July 21, 2015)
- Length: 336 pages
- ISBN13: 9781442468269
- Ages: 9 - 13
- Lexile ® 730L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
Awards and Honors
- CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Junior Title
- Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection Title
- Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book Award (KY)
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): River Runs Deep eBook 9781442468269
- Author Photo (jpg): Jennifer Bradbury Photo courtesy of camyleephotography.com(4.3 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit