Title of Book: Nightjohn

Author of Book: Gary Paulsen

Year Published: 1993

Type: Fiction

Grade Level: 5-8 Grade

Couse: US History

Unit Topic: Civil War

WHAT'S IT ABOUT? Young Sarny, a slave in the south, did not know literacy would bring pain and despair to her and those who cared for her. She did not know what letters were or what they did, but she was intrigued from the moment she recognized them on items her Master owned. One day, a new slave, Nightjohn arrives to the plantation and offers to trade some of her tabacoo leaves in exchange for knowledge. Through determination and courage,  a teacher-pupil relationship arises to take one step toward freedom. 

WHY SHOULD WE READ IT? This fictious narrative provides an emotional example of how literacy was used as a tool to build dominance and power over black slaves. As educators who often times struggle with enganging students with pivotal moments and experiences in history, Nightjohn provides a short and easy read to gain insight on the horrors of slavery. Witnessing apathy and boredom in my current Student Teaching I cooperating class, I was determined to find a supplemental novel to Federick Douglass writings for students to more quickly understand the socioemotional state of slaves. Furthermore, it provides a different perspective not found in many history text books. Students will learn about the different reasons for electing Abraham Lincoln,  reasons dividing our nation to go to war, and discuss the morality of slavery. Additionally, it is a lesson of valuing the right of being literate and informed humans. 

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