Nightjohn
By Gary Paulsen
Nightjohn is an excellent novella depicting slavery. It is also a wonderful little book for literary analysis. From its cover, it appears to be a children’s book, and is indeed at a reading level appropriate for younger children. However, its themes are not childish at all, though the main character, Sarny, like many real children, has to experience them. Secondary students of all ability levels are riveted by this book, but it is especially appropriate for students with special needs. There are few books written on a simpler reading level but with topics of high interest to them. This is also a book that is effective if yours is the only copy and you read it aloud expressively.
I read this book aloud to my 11th grade Inclusion students (both general and special education) while they read along silently.
What follows are comments and analyses for the book that are instructive and effective, yet unavailable elsewhere on the Internet.
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I have taught for 14 years. Three of those were in middle school, but the rest have been in high schools. I teach at an innovative high school in Rio Rancho, NM, which is a rapidly-growing suburb of Albuquerque. I helped open the high school ten years ago. It combines English and Social Studies for all students. I teach American Humanities in the Fine Arts Academy. I have helped develop the district's Humanities curriculum every summer for ten years. I serve as the 11th grade Humanities section leader. I am fortunate to work with an outstanding group of educators.
