Robert Rows the River

by Carolyn Haywood

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Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile

191 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Carolyn Haywood was an American writer and illustrator of children’s books, best known for her beloved “Eddie” and “Betsy” series, which captured everyday childhood with warmth and authenticity. Raised in a supportive, middle-class Philadelphia family, she developed her artistic talents early, studying art and later working as a teacher, an experience that inspired her to write for young readers. After formal training in fine arts and travel in Europe, she worked on murals before turning fully to books. Her debut, “B” is for Betsy, appeared in 1939, launching a prolific career built on close observation of children’s lives and feelings, continuing for decades.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always with her books, we are sad to be finished but enjoyed the journey while we took it! What a fun childhood, to grow up on a river.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few months ago I was able to purchase a few more books by Carolyn Haywood. Her books for young readers have always been favorites in our family, and some of our young patrons have loved them, too. Because I trusted the author, I decided to put this book directly in the shelf without previewing it— but a few days ago realized I really should know the contents! What a delightful story. It includes an adventurous boy who spends much of his time on the river in a small rowboat, who sleeps outside much of the summer, and who makes a new friend—and that friend has a pet monkey! There is even the excitement of something being stolen from a local business. The one bit of the story that might be a problem for some families is the chapter where he talks to his new friend about stories about witches. Also, with today’s problems, parents might want to talk to their children about the wisdom of spending time alone with older men; a local man took in the new friend, a Gypsy boy, so that the boy could go to school. In the story, it was fine and a good thing, but in real life it could so easily go awry in a very bad way.

[Eva Seyler]

This is one of (very few) Carolyn Haywood books I absolutely do not remember reading as a kid. For its time, it was nice that it was doing its part to dispel prejudice against "gypsies". The story is a low-key mystery (who stole the sailboat! surely it must be those gypsies! oops we were jerks, no it wasn't!)

Content note: Some of the kids in the book do use the word "gyppo" when talking about Robert's Romany friend, Aaron. Aaron only uses "Romanies" to refer to himself and his people, whereas everyone else uses "Gypsy". I would have been super happy if Robert had begun to say "Romany" himself, but I guess that was asking too much? Eh.

This is not my favourite Haywood book at all, even aside from the slurs. It's just somehow lacking, and I can't really lay a finger on why.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert lives on the Thames. He has a rowboat that he uses to go up and down and to ferry his friends across. One day, he sees a monkey in a tree and soon meets a boy named Aaron who owns the monkey and is traveling with his parents. He says they are Romanies, however, all the people in the book call them Gypsies. The book is about the friendship Robert and Aaron form, and how it is wrong to label people and make assumptions based on their way of life.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a quick read. A good book for boys though old fashioned. The reaction of his friends to the "Gypsies" was revealing. I think it could be used to make a point about racism and prejudice in our society. A good conversation starter.

[Donna Grobey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a childhood favorite of mine. My Oma gave me a copy and I read it many times. I've saved the book all these years, and just re-read it 40+ years later!

[Hannah Pape · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Simple story, but moderately enjoyable. The author did their best to help dispel prejudice against Romany groups. It certainly was not executed perfectly, but it was something for 1965.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

We enjoy Carolyn Haywood books. The children have fun adventures (with little to no adult supervision). In this one, we enjoy the undercurrent against prejudice, the friendships made, and the happy ending.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

read with my first grade daughter. Robert's friend Aaron is a gypsy and there is discrimination amoungst some of the people in the book. We discussed that. Also the kids boating alone at age 9. lots of un upervised kid activities. A good read though, we both enjoyed it.

[Kevin Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

the first book I ever remember my mother reading to me. it involved gypsies, violins and the Thames river.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked it