When Jessie Came Across the Sea

I bought the book for the artwork. P. J. Lynch's artwork is beautiful, touching, and inspiring. Then I read the story! It was such a touching tale. I'm so glad I got it. It reinforces the goodness of mankind.

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!

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.

This book is about a young girl named Jessie and her grandmother. They live in Eastern European. One day, the Rabbi informs the villagers that his brother has died and left him one ticket to "the promised land." The rabbi does not want to leave his people and decides to give the ticket to 13-year-old Jessie. In America, Jessie follows in her grandmother's footsteps and becomes a dressmaker. She works for three years until she has enough saved to purchase another ticket--for her grandmother. I found this book to be very moving. Not only was it a touching story but the illustrations were breath taking. The author sends a wonderful message of bravery and strength. This is a great "coming to America" book.

"When Jessie Came Across the Sea" is one of those books that stays with you long after you've read it. My daughters love the story and the illustrations are of a quality rarely seen in books meant for young children. My daughter received this outstanding book as a Xmas present and has shared it with both her first and second grade classes. Her teachers were struck by the sentimental text and both admitted to crying when they read it aloud to their classes. My daughter recently received a request from her first grade teacher regarding the possibility of her bringing it back to school this year so she can share it with her '98-'99 class! This book contains many positive messages for young minds, and I highly recommend it for all parents who wish to add a rare treasure to their childrens' libraries.

Jessie is given a chance to change her life when the Rabbi in her village gives her a ticket to America. Leaving her grandmother is difficult but she is persuaded to go. She befriends many on the voyage across the ocean, mending their torn clothing and comforting many. Jessie successfully spends the next three years making lace as her grandmother taught her. The watercolor illustrations beautifully show Jessie as a young girl and then a young woman as she is reunited with her grandmother and a special friend from her ocean voyage. Luminous.