Review of NIGHT JOURNEYS by Avi

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Wortis, Avi. NIGHT JOURNEYS. 1989. New York: Random House. ISBN 0394941160

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Peter York, recently orphaned, is sent to live with a Quaker family. The Shinn family reside in a small village in Pennsylvania in 1767. Mr. Shinn is the Justice of the Peace in their town. One night they are called upon to catch two runaway indentured servants. Peter is excited to catch them and receive the reward. He wants to buy the family a new horse, so his beloved horse Jumper, can once again belong to him alone. He is forced to take the family gun when he and Mr. Shinn set out to arrest the fugitives. After several mishaps, Peter leaves the gun behind. He goes back to get it and runs into one of the fugitives, a small girl named Elizabeth. He tries to trick her and she runs away. In his excitement, he accidentally shoots her. He then decides that he should try and help her rather than arrest her. In the meantime, Mr. Shinn has caught the other fugitive, a small boy named Robert. Peter promises both fugitives that he will try and help them escape. In the end, he helps the two escape with the blessing of Mr. Shinn. He even allows them to take his beloved horse, Jumper, to help them get away quickly. His new family supports him, and they realize that he was the only one who willing to do the right thing.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is a great read for 4-8 grade students. The cover and the title of the book are both mysterious and they intrigue you to see what this book is about. The author takes you back to the 1700’s through the language used, and the vivid descriptions of the landscape throughout the book. The story moves quickly and should hold students’ attention throughout. The story seems believable and accurate. Students would need some background on the Quakers and indentured servants to help explain the story.

The main focus of the story is the character’s emotional struggles, which any student can relate to. Peter wants to please his new family, but he knows he has to do what is right after he stumbles on to one of the young fugitives. Students may not be asked to make life and death decisions like Peter, but every student has to choose between right and wrong on a daily basis. This book will provide plenty of good discussions with students.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST Review: “Memorable . . . a story to cherish.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: "An insightful portrayal of appealing, uncommon character."


5. CONNECTIONS

The chapters have no names. Students could come up with names for each chapter and vote on the one they like best. At the end of the book, have students assigned chapters. They write a summary and illustrate their chapter, using the class chapter name. When they are done, laminate them and hang them in the hall. The book will have each chapter summarized, the name of the chapter, and a picture of something that happens in that chapter.

Read a nonfiction book about life during this period. Discuss the accuracy of the book, its plot, and the characters. Use a Venn Diagram and compare the facts in that book with the novel.

Read a nonfiction book about indentured servants. Was the book accurate in its portrayal of Elizabeth and Robert? Have students research and write about a “Day in the Life” of an indentured servant.

Read a nonfiction book about life as a Quaker in the 1700’s. Have students discuss if the book gave an accurate description of Quaker life. Have students research what the Quaker’s believed and how they lived. Was the fact that Mr. Shinn did not carry a gun have anything to do with his being a Quaker?