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When Jessie Came Across the Sea


Genre: Historical Fiction

Title: When Jessie Came Across the Sea

Author: Amy Hest

Illustrator: P. J. Lynch

Awards: Christopher Award

Age Range: 7-12 years old


Summary: Jessie had no plans of going to America, but the rabbi in her village chose her to go in his place. Jessie was not happy to go to America because she was scared. On the boat the first day, she cried a lot. Although, eventually she decided to sew to pass the days. She even helped a few fellow passengers by sewing some of the clothes. Cousin Kay was there to greet Jessie when she got to the U.S. She was very excited to see her. Cousin Kay made Jessie go to school because she wanted her to learn English. Jessie has also been working very hard sewing because she is trying to earn enough money to purchase a ticket to America for her grandmother. Jessie has been in America for 3 years now, and when she was out walking she ran into her friend Lou who she met on the ship. One day, he asked her to marry him and when Jessie's grandmother arrived she brought her mother's wedding ring. Jessie is now ready to have her wedding. 

Evaluation: Since this book is a little longer, I would use it for 3rd-6th graders. Younger students may not be able to handle sitting and listening to this story. I really liked the story and seeing how Jessie grew to be a great young lady. I do not think I would use it in class because I think some students may find it a little boring and be unable to connect with it. An activity I would have the students do is write 3 journal entries as if they were immigrants coming to America on a ship. Then, I would set up a "check-in" station like there was at Ellis Island and have all the students go through it to get an experience. Once we have done this, then I would read this story and have the students reflect on how Jessie may have felt. 



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