Reading Metrics
Description
In 1836, fourteen-year-old Roxana undertakes a dangerous journey up the Ohio River to help her beloved servant, Joss, and Joss's fiance, a runaway slave, escape to freedom, aided by Roxana's former teacher, Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Quick Summary
If your kid loves historical fiction with real courage and heart, "Over Jordan" is a fantastic pick. Set in 1836, it follows fourteen-year-old Roxana as she risks everything to help her servant Joss and Joss's fianc escape to freedom via the Ohio River, with help from her former teacher, Harriet Beecher Stowe the same Stowe who would later write "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The book really stands out because it shows how ordinary teenagers can make extraordinary choices, and it weaves in fascinating historical details about life during this era without feeling like a textbook. Kids who enjoyed "Number the Stars" will likely love this too, especially if they're drawn to stories about people standing up for what's right even when it's terrifying. Parents should know there's real tension and some dangerous moments nothing gratuitously scary, but enough to keep kids on the edge of their seats. It's ultimately a story about hope, loyalty, and what it means to be free, making it a great conversation starter about history and character. Perfect for readers in grades 5-8 who want something meaningful but not overwhelming.