Stone River Crossing

Reach for this book when your child begins asking complex questions about fairness, the history of racial tension, or what it means to be a true ally. It is a powerful choice for children who are sensitive to social justice and are looking for stories where friendship serves as a bridge across cultural and systemic divides. By centering on the bond between a Choctaw girl and a boy escaping slavery, it provides a safe yet honest space to explore heavy historical realities through the lens of mutual support. Set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River, the story follows Martha Tom and Lil Mo as they navigate a world of danger and prejudice. Tim Tingle uses his gift for Choctaw storytelling to weave together themes of bravery, ancestral wisdom, and the shared struggle for freedom. It is an emotionally resonant adventure for ages 8 to 12 that emphasizes that while we cannot change the past, we can find courage in our shared humanity to protect one another in the present.