The year is 1768 and twelve year old Peter York, recently orphaned, is taken in by Mr. Shinn, a Quaker. When a manhunt begins for two escaped indentured servants, Peter at first wishes to capture the pair and get a reward but ends up helping them escape, while behind the scenes, Mr. Shinn quietly wrestles with his conscience in the matter.
Night Journeys is a surprisingly meaty and satisfying read for a relatively short and easy to read novel. The writing is excellent, as one would expectfrom an award winning author. Avi's characters definitely come to life: you can appreciate the portrayal of Peter's change of heart, and Mr. Shinn demonstrateshumility and courage as he helps Peterand confesses he was wrong to the child.
But a caution is in order: if your child has any trouble submitting to adult authority, this might reinforce an independent spirit that enjoys feeling that adults can be wrong. Also, if your family believes it is never appropriate to break the law (even for the sake of a higher one), your children should not read this book.
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