NIGHTJOHN

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Paulsen, Gary. 1993. NIGHTJOHN. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385308388

PLOT SUMMARY
After making his way to freedom in the North, Nightjohn comes back to the South to teach slaves to read. He is sold to the plantation where a young girl Sarny lives. Not fearing brutal punishment, Nightjohn teaches Sarny to read and write one letter of the alphabet at a time. When the master catches Nightjohn, he cuts off his toes. However, Nightjohn escapes only three nights later. He establishes a school where slaves can learn in secret during the night.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Readers will quickly connect to the Paulsen’s main character, Sarney, though the honesty and humility which she utilizes in her narration. Completely unguarded, she openly shares her thoughts and opinions about life on the plantation. The vivid details of routine beatings, dog attacks, and unthinkable brutality depicted in the book will leave readers shocked and heart wrenched.

Paulsen carries several universal themes throughout the novel. Having a spirit that never gives up and a willingness to take risks for the greater good are especially emphasized by Nightjohn. With Paulsen’s superb use of diction and brisk writing style, readers are sure to be enthralled.

In the beginning of the text, Paulsen includes the statement “Except for variations in time and character placement, the events written in this story are true and actually happened.” The realization that these events really occurred adds significantly to the power and impact of the book.

Although the graphic details are hard to bear, people will appreciate the truthfulness of Paulsen’s writing. However, because of the gruesome nature of the times, in my opinion, the story should only be shared with older readers. Although history cannot be ignored, younger readers are not yet ready to be exposed to such horror.

AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERTP(S)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “This impeccably researched novel sheds light on cruel truths in American history as it traces the experiences of a 12-year-old slave girl in the 1850s…graphic depiction of slavery evokes shame for this country's forefathers and sorrow for the victims of their inhumanity”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “The anguish is all too real in this brief, unbearably vivid book.”

CONNECTIONS
*Have students share their reactions to slavery depicted in the novel. Point out that all of these events are true and actually happened.
*Lead a discussion about the power of literacy. Show students a map of the world that lists illiteracy rates (http://www.mapsoftheworld.com/).
*Continue to follow Sarny in Gary Paulsen’s book SARNY. ISBN 0440219736