The Night Journey

The Night Journey follows thirteen-year-old Rachel, who develops a special bond with her great-grandmother Nana Sashie during the elderly woman's final days. The story centers on Nana Sashie's decision to share her long-held secret about escaping persecution in Russia at the turn of the 20th century. Rachel learns about her Jewish heritage through Nana Sashie's memories of life in the Russian Empire, where pogroms threatened Jewish communities. The narrative moves between present-day Minnesota and the historical events of Nana Sashie's youth in Russia, connected by an heirloom samovar that sparks the telling of the tale. This historical novel for young readers connects past to present through one family's experience of survival and immigration to America. The book examines intergenerational relationships, cultural identity, and the importance of preserving family history through storytelling.

Most readers describe this as an emotional historical fiction book that resonates with young audiences aged 10-14. The book maintains a 4.1/5 rating on Goodreads from 180+ ratings. Readers appreciate: - The realistic portrayal of the relationship between Rachel and her great-grandmother - The seamless weaving of past and present narratives - The accessible introduction to Russian Jewish history for young readers - The authentic dialogue and character development Common criticisms: - Some found the pacing slow in the first few chapters - A few readers wanted more historical details about the time period - The ending felt rushed to some From reviews: "Made history personal and relatable for my 12-year-old" - Goodreads user "Handles difficult subject matter sensitively" - Amazon review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (180+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (45+ reviews) Scholastic: 4/5 (30+ reviews)

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry A young girl helps her Jewish friend escape Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Death narrates the story of a German girl who steals books and helps hide a Jewish man in her basement during World War II.

The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen A modern Jewish girl is transported back in time to a Polish village in 1942 where she experiences life in a concentration camp.

Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura E. Williams A young member of the Hitler Youth discovers her parents are hiding Jews behind her bedroom wall.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr A Jewish girl flees Berlin with her family in 1933 before Hitler's rise to power and adjusts to life as a refugee.

🔹 The samovar featured in the story was a traditional Russian tea urn that became a symbol of both cultural heritage and survival for many Jewish families who fled persecution. 🔹 Kathryn Lasky has written over 100 books across multiple genres, earning her the National Jewish Book Award and the Washington Post Children's Book Guild Award. 🔹 The persecution of Jews in the Russian Empire intensified during the early 1900s, with over 2,000 pogroms (violent riots) occurring between 1903-1906. 🔹 Minnesota, where Rachel lives, became home to a significant Jewish immigrant population in the early 20th century, with many families fleeing Eastern Europe. 🔹 The oral history tradition depicted in the book reflects a common practice among Jewish families, where stories of survival and heritage are passed down through generations to preserve cultural memory.