Nightjohn is set deep in the American south in the 1850s, around the time of the American Civil War. The story is related by Sarny, a twelve-yr-old slave girl on the Waller plantation who learns to read with the help of a return escapee, an older man, Nightjohn, who feel self-sacrifice is worth it if he can pass on the ability to read and write so that slaves will be able to write a record of their experiences of slavery, for future generations. The story is grim and shocking in parts due to the descriptions of the cruelty which slaves underwent at the hands of their traders and masters, but ultimately this book is about the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit and the ability to keep hope alive against all the odds.
Verdict: suitable for study at junior level although parental discretion is needed as sensitive teens could find certain parts upsetting.
I love this book -so much scope for teaching in the classroom. Great themes and history to explore. Requires some maturity on the students' behalf.....
Mary G., teacher & parent, Co. Dublin