The Night Journey (novel) facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Kathryn Lasky |
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| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's historical novel |
| Publisher | Frederick Warne |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| ISBN | 0723262012 |
| Preceded by | N/A |
| Followed by | Broken Song |
The Night Journey is a historical novel written by Kathryn Lasky. It was published in 1981. The book tells a powerful story about family history and courage.
Story Overview
The main characters in The Night Journey are a young girl named Rachel and her great-grandmother, Nana Sashie. Nana Sashie is an Ashkenazi Jewish woman. She was born in a city called Mykolaiv, which is now part of Ukraine.
Nana Sashie shares an important part of her past with Rachel. She tells her about her escape from the Russian Empire in the early 1900s. This was a difficult time when Jewish people often faced violence and attacks, known as pogroms.
Nana Sashie's Memories
The story focuses on Nana Sashie's memories of her childhood. She describes the dangers and challenges she faced. Her tales show her bravery and determination to survive.
One important item in the story is a samovar. This is a special kind of heated metal container traditionally used to heat water for tea. It helps Nana Sashie remember her past. Rachel learns about her family's history through these stories.
Rachel's Connection
Rachel listens closely to Nana Sashie's memories. Through these stories, Rachel feels a strong connection to her great-grandmother. She learns about her family's journey and their strength.
The book was also adapted for a reading program called Open Court Reading. In this version, Rachel's name was shortened to "Rache." The story often begins with background information. It then shares Nana Sashie's tale, starting with the samovar.
Awards and Recognition
The Night Journey has received special honors. In 1982, it won the National Jewish Book Award. This award was given in the Children's Literature category. It recognized the book's importance and quality for young readers.
