When Jessie Came Across the Sea
by Amy Hest
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Book Summary Information
Author: Amy HestIllustrator: P.J. Lynch
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-09-29
ISBN: 076361274X
Number of pages: 40
Publisher: Candlewick
Book Reviews of When Jessie Came Across the Sea
Book Review: MASTERPIECE!
Summary: 5 Stars
Hest, A. (1997). When Jessie came across the sea. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
Synopsis: Young Jessie lives with her beloved grandmother in Russia during the World War I time period. Her grandmother has Jessie educated with boys to ensure Jessie's ability to read and write. Jessie attempts to teach her grandmother to read and write. Meanwhile, Grandmother teaches Jessie how to sew lace. When Jessie is chosen to go to America by the rabbi, Jessie is fearful of leaving her grandmother, who is her only family, to go to a strange new place called New York. Jessie makes the lengthy trip to America all alone. However, she makes the acquaintance of many other immigrants who are as frightened as Jessie. Jessie's favorite friend is a boy her age named Lou. After making the long daunting trip to America, Jessie finds that it is going to be hard work to save enough money to bring Grandmother to America. Jessie works hard and attends schools with the support of the rabbi's cousin. Several years later, Jessie meets Lou again in Central Park. After some time courting, Lou asks Jessie to marry him. Jessie replies not yet. She is waiting for the perfect time for their wedding. Readers cannot help the heart-felt connections that are found within this story.
Evaluation: Readers are incredibly drawn into this story of a young immigrant girl. Ann Hest presents the text on a stark white background surrounded by P. J. Lynch's exquisite watercolor and gouache illustrations. Many of Lynch's illustrations expand across a double page spread which leaves readers feeling the warmth of the sunset across the Atlantic, the wind blowing through Jessie's glorious red locks, or the mist blowing through the harbor early in the morning. Readers are instantly compassionate for the immigrants who left their homes and families behind in their native countries to come to America for a better life. Hest shows some of the struggles felt by young immigrant children. For example, Jessie, even though aged 12, had to begin school in the first grade. Starting immigrant children in the primary grades no matter their chronological age was a customary practice of educators during the early 20th century. Teachers will likely use this text while studying Immigration with students. Children ages 8-12 will love this story and be captivated by its illustrations. This is a MUST HAVE for any Immigration unit!
Summary of When Jessie Came Across the Sea
"Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants."? PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)When a young girl from a poor eastern European village learns that she must leave her beloved grandmother for a new life - and a new love - in America, they both feel that their hearts will break. The sure and inspired narrative by award-winning author Amy Hest is paired with paintings by P.J. Lynch that glow with warmth and carefully observed detail, creating an unforgettable tribute to the immigrant experience.
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