Beautifully Illustrated
This book is a sweet tale about a young lady's journey to America. It is a very easy read that is beautifully illustrated. This piece works well as a picture-book companion piece to an immigration unit.
MASTERPIECE!
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!
When Jessie Came Across the Sea
This is a great historical fiction picture book. The illustrator, P.J. Lynch did a marvelous job of creating the characters and scenes for every page. Reading this out loud is a perfect way to teach about other countries and peoples. This story would be a first glimpse for some children at immigrant history and what Ellis Island was all about. With the help of the detailed illustrations, the past comes to life along with the emotional parting and reunions of loved ones.
Great Book to Read to 7-8 Year Olds Learning about World
My son really enjoyed this story of a young orphaned girl "chosen" (to her dismay) to leave her country and go to America by herself, leaving behind her grandmother. The pictures are excellent, and the story moves quickly. The story provoked frequent questions by my son such as: "Why did Jessie have to leave her homeland and her grandmother?" and "Why did the villagers think going to America was such a good thing?" Because Jessie was a child, my son identified with her. A beautiful story.
A beautiful, touching story
Even though it breaks her heart to be separated from her beloved grandmother, Jessie leaves her small town when she is offered a trip to America. She vividly describes the wonder of living in the new world and finding a new love. She works hard and uses her sewing skills to save toward purchasing a ticket for her grandmother.This 1998 Kate Greenaway award winner uses lush paintings to portray a realistic setting of the story. The illustrations complement the story, but they are so beautiful that they almost overwhelm the story.
I enjoyed this beautiful story and its beautiful illustrations. Though at times heartbreaking, the story of Jessie and her trip across the sea to America is very inspirational.
(22 reviews)
