by Janet Blaylock

Created on: August 12, 2011   Last Updated: August 16, 2011

Luke, who was ten-years-old, was the main character. He was a shy, quiet boy who preferred to be alone. He also had quite an imagination, which helped him creatively. His father helped him use his creativity in building a fantastic tree house, which was like a real house. His classmates had club houses that were weak, but his club house was strong. The cubby house was built in a large tree that had branches spread toward the river and toward Luke's back yard. Using a pulley, Luke could bring food and water into his house. He also had a window in his cubby house. One day, he stood there and watched the river rise. He saw the river flooding the area, so he took action and jumped down with the rope because he wanted to save the person he saw in a car that was in the flood. Tom, who was one of Luke's classmates, was the one he saved.

The author did a great job writing this short story for children. He wanted to show children that anyone who doesn't see himself as a hero needs to think about it. Luke didn't see himself as a hero, but when the time came that he saw someone needing help, he came to the rescue and became a hero.

The author pointed out how Luke enjoyed the rain: "Opened the shutters to the window and settled himself on his chair at the table to watch the rain and the river."

He also used personification by describing how the water looked angry: "The wall of water coming down the swelling river looked angry."

The author also showed that Luke was determined to reach his goal. No matter how wet his clothes were, he wanted to save the boy, who was his classmate. The author also revealed that Luke started having doubts about reaching his goal, but he knew he had to reach it, so he trusted in what his father said about the thin rope.

After the incident, Tom was relieved that Luke saved him, but he was also sorry for the way he treated Luke. The author wanted to show that when children mistreat others, they might need someone to save them. As it turned out, Tom needed somebody to help him, and Luke was there to help him. After their encounter, Tom became sorry for his actions.

This was a good book, and it had a good lesson for parents and teachers to teach to their children.

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