
Rebecca Bruff
"With this stunning debut novel, Rebecca Bruff establishes herself as an exciting new voice in historical fiction."
- Cassandra King Conroy
TROUBLE THE WATER




Deeply moving and illuminating, TROUBLE THE WATER reveals the little-known real-life story of Robert Smalls. Born enslaved before the Civil War, Smalls witnesses great privilege and immense suffering alongside his owner's daughter and the dangerous son of a firebrand secessionist.
At the age of twelve, he's sent to work in Charleston, where he loads ships and learns to pilot a cotton steamer. When the war erupts and his cotton steamer becomes a confederate warship, Robert attempts a harrowing escape to freedom for himself and the people he loves.


Now available as an audiobook. Narrated by Gerald C. Rivers.
Gerald C. Rivers is a naturally talented and classically trained Shakespearean Actor, Voiceover Artist, Inspirational Speaker and Master West African Drummer and teacher. He is known for his voice over work in cartoons, animated feature films, internet series, internationally popular video games, and radio & television commercials and campaigns. Gerald is also the founder and Executive Director of Message Media Group a multi media edutainment company, providing presentations and workshops to all age groups.
Now on stage
World premiere of Trouble The Water
Inspired by the real-life story of Robert Smalls, who escaped slavery to become an American hero, Trouble the Water navigates the rich tributaries of courage, betrayal and redemption. Freely adapted by Ellen Geer from the 2019 award-winning historical novel by Rebecca Dwight Bruff.
Written by Rebecca Dwight Bruff
Adapted by Ellen Geer
Directed by Gerald Rivers
Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum, Topanga, CA

"Debut author Rebecca Bruff has made her mark with this exceptional examination of family, freedom, and what it really means to fight for the light."
— JULIE CANTRELL,
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Perennials

"Bruff gifts her readers a stunningly dramatic narrative. Gripping, heartrending and at last, inspirational. A testimony to hope through the darkest of times and a testimony to the triumph of the human spirit, not soon to be forgotten."
STARS of WONDER

Five brave and curious children follow a star, and discover more than they ever imagined: strength, trust, love, boldness, courage, and wonder… all the things kids need to know they possess in order to be resilient in this ever-changing world.
Beautifully illustrated, STARS OF WONDER will delight children and adults alike in this story of whimsy and wonder, curiosity and courage, and great love.