United We Read

In his book "The River Between Us," Richard Peck portrays the Civil War in Cairo, Ill., for young adult readers in realistic terms. For example: "They lay where they'd been sick. They sprawled in their messes because they were too weak to get to the privies, if there were privies. In the afternoon light slanting through canvas, they looked like old men. One sat at the end of his cot with a bucket and a dipper at his feet. He was badly wasted, and his cheeks were sunk to where he looked like a death's-head."

"The River Between Us" is the next book chosen for the United We Read community reading program. A former student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., Peck will be the first author to come to Cape Girardeau to participate in a discussion of his book since the program began two years ago. The Newberry Medal-winning writer will make three appearances Feb. 9 at the Central High School library. Other discussions will be held during the month. Congratulations to organizer Julia Jorgensen for that coup.

Peck, who lives in New York City, has written 30 books. Besides Cairo, this one also is set in Grand Tower, Ill.

Matt Berman, a book reviewer for Common Sense Media, writes: "The depiction of Cairo, and the army camp and hospital, is not for the faint-hearted, but be prepared for some powerful discussions with your children about what war is really like that may be eye-opening for the video game generation."