Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen

Genre V

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Paulsen, Gary. 1993. Night John. New York. Recorded Books, LLC. ISBN 0788795236

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This historical novel is set in the harsh mid nineteenth century on an American plantation. This is an intense and brutal story of the realities of the time not suitable for readers younger than seventh grade. It is however, a tale of hope; hope in the midst of utter helplessness. Sarny is just a young girl when her owner, Waller, brings John to the plantation. As if coming in “bad” isn’t terrible enough, John reveals to Sarny that he actually escaped and returned by his own choice. What man would do that? One who had hope and dared to hold onto it at all costs.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
I chose this novel in audio format. It is published by Recorded Books, LLC. It is a two disc, unabridged set packaged in a hard case with each disc in a protective slip. Performed by one reader, Michele-Denise Woods, the recording is 1.5 hours long and recommended for ages thirteen and older. The sound and performance quality is very high and engaging. This listening experience was one of the best available. A most revealing interview with Gary Paulsen is included at the end of the recording. Paulsen also addresses the reader at the beginning of the audio peaking the reader’s interest right away. Paulsen explains how he came to write this story and the research that he conducted that helped to reveal it. The author has done an incredible job of capturing the soul of a slave girl through regionally and historically accurate dialect, facts and behaviors. He allows readers a glimpse into the plight of this enslaved child with his remarkable writing talent. Although most readers will not be able to identify with the dire situation in which Sarny, Mammy and John are forced to live; many will understand their fear, curiosity and courage.

4. REVIEW(S)/AWARD(S)
ALA Best Book for Young Adults

KIRKUS: Paulsen begins by saying that, ``Except for variations in time and character identification and placement, [they] are true and actually happened.'' But like that last phrase, some of the violence here is redundant: it's not necessary to describe three different but equally terrible deaths suffered by runaways set upon by dogs to make the point. Still, the anguish is all too real in this brief, unbearably vivid book.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Nightjohn should be required reading (and discussing) for all middle grade and high school students.”




5. CONNECTIONS (This book is definitely for older readers, grade 7 and up)
*Also share with students Marilyn Nelson’s book, FORTUNE'S BONES.
Nelson, Marilyn. FORTUNE’S BONES: THE MANUMISSION REQUIEM. ISBN 1932425128
Rinaldi, Ann. HANG A THOUSAND TREES WITH RIBBONS: THE STORY OF PHILLIS WHEATLEY. ISBN 0152008772
*John may have gone North via the Underground Railroad. Have students explore the escape routes that were used by slaves and plot them on a map. Students could label the free states, the slave states, and the locations of some of the stations. They might read stories about Harriet Tubman, another escaped slave who went North and returned to the South via the Underground Railroad.