On the Other Side of the River

I have an original copy of this delightful book from my childhood. It is a story about a divided town who discover how much they really all need each other, and so they learn to get along. Although written in the 1970s it is still (maybe more) relevant today. My copy is showing real signs of age and I'd love a new one but it is out of print. I agree with the other reviewer - please reprint this book. It has a great message for the kids of today.

A terrible storm destroys the bridge that had once connected the east and west sections of the village of Wynlock. At first the residents are happy to be independent of those on the other side of the river. Yet it soon becomes obvious that neither side can survive without the help of their fellow villagers. This is a great story to use with your primary grade classroom. In a humorous way, Oppenheim presents the situation of community members not getting along, but then coming to the realization that they need each other. With the repeating refrain, "On the other side of the river", youngsters will be joining in while you read. The lesson of interdependence is a critical one for children to learn. It is presented here in a lively and entertaining way that it easily understood by young children. This is my very favorite book from our local library. It is a shame that it is no longer in print. Interdependence is a concept that is found in social studies standards. This book is THE PERFECT vehicle for allowing children to learn about it. Ms. Oppenheim, if you are out there, please submit it to Scholastic Books. I think it would be a best seller!!!