Nightjohn- Gary Paulsen

Paulsen, Gary (1993) Nightjohn. New York: Delacorte Press (Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.), 92 pp.
Historical Fiction
Sarny, a twelve year old slave girl on a plantation in the American South, learns how to read and write the first ten letters of the alphabet. Her teacher is the newly arrived slave Nightjohn, who has escaped slavery in the past only to return to it for the sake of educating his people. The whites, and particularly their cruel master Waller forbid their blacks any kind of learning, particularly literacy. When he catches Sarny practicing her writing in the dirt, the evil Waller amplifies his standard practices of whipping the disobedient and cuts off Nightjohn's two middle toes with a chisel. Slaves attempting escape are tracked down by dogs and torn to shreds as an example. Nonetheless, Nightjohn manages to walk away to freedom, even upon his freshly wounded feet. Finally, he returns one night to continue Sarny's education with a group of new pupils in a makeshift "pit school" in the underbrush. "Late he come walking and it be Nightjohn and he bringing us the way to know" (92).
This book is short and simple in its language, but I wouldn't call it easy to read. The descriptions of whippings, or rather flayings are highly graphic and the constant threat of some new cruelty should keep the reader on edge throughout. Sarny draws us close in her innocent yearning to know things, and we suffer with her as the repercussions of her learning are inflicted upon her Mammy and Nightjohn. In a small space we develop deep sympathies for the central characters and drink a deep and bitter draught of their historic plight. The theme, that history in general and oppression in particular need to be recorded, is particularly relevant to students of reading and writing. The implication that learning is the first step toward freedom should also inspire students and teachers alike. Though the time and circumstances are quite different, the southern setting may interest local readers, especially those with ancestors who suffered slavery. The language reflects traditional dialects of black slaves and white owners, effective in making the reader feel more at home and at ease with Sarny, Mammy and Nightjohn and more threatened by Waller.
Physically and socially, adolescents can identify with Sarny, anxious about menarche (the coming of the troubles) and her promotion to the breeding shack and adult responsibilities on the plantation. Her cognitive development turns out to be particularly threatening, and this may create an interesting resonance with students. This would be an excellent book for struggling readers and writers as well, who may still remember the triumphs of mastering only a few letters and writing their first word. Race, ethnicity, language, gender, age and social class are central to this story and religion (also forbidden) and exceptionality (the maimed and freedom impaired) are also key topics. I would use this book as a read aloud, recommend it for individual choice, encourage small groups to dramatize some of its scenes and consider it a bridge to any classic dealing with slavery, racism or a difficult coming of age.
The jacket recommends this book for 12 and up, which corresponds with the age of the main character. I imagine a stoic 10 or 11 year old could handle the reading level if the violent moments were not beyond their literary experience.
Personally, I found this an excellent book. It was a quick read but lingered in my mind long afterward. I wonder if a book like this would give spark or catharsis to racial tension in the classroom. How will students react to the fact that it was written by a white man? Does knowing that this story is based on real historic characters and events make it the more pertinent and authentic in the eyes of students? This certainly attracted me to reading it. Check it out.