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River Runs Deep

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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?

About The Author

Photo courtesy of camyleephotography.com
Jennifer Bradbury

Jennifer Bradbury is the author of the middle grade novel River Runs Deep and of several critically acclaimed young adult novels, including, Take, A Moment Comes, Wrapped, and her debut, Shift—which Kirkus Reviews called “fresh, absorbing, compelling” in a starred review. Shift was picked as an ALA and a School Library Journal Best Book for Young Adults and is also on numerous state reading lists. She is also a rock climber and teacher in Burlington, Washington, where she lives with her family.

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)

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More books from this author: Jennifer Bradbury