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When Jessie Came Across the Sea
Amy West, illustrated by P.J.Lynch

This is a beautiful illustrated book that captures the world of late nineteenth century and that of Jessie, a thirteen year old who travels alone to America to begin a new life. Strong themes within the story are to do with change, family, learning new things and resourcefulness. We see the Grandmother learning to read and write and Jessie learning lace-making and ultimately learning English: these all prove to be useful and important for the ‘happy ending.’ The reader feels a strong empathy with Jessie, when she has to leave her Grandmother and her home, for a perilous journey into the unknown. There are lots of opportunities for discussion, for example whether Jessie …show more content…

Discuss the role of the Rabbi in Jewish life.

Talk together about the Rabbi’s decision that Jessie should go to America. Look at the scene when he came to their home to tell them. Reread the passage and focus on Jessie’s feelings and her Grandmother’s reaction.

Talk about the Grandmother’s mixed feelings and what they might be. Divide the class into two groups and line them opposite each other. Explain that one side will be Grandmother’s heart, the other her head. One child will be Grandmother, walking between the lines, listening to both sides. She needs to decide which to listen to, which would be best for Jessie. Show the class how to do this, each whispering their persuasive thought, getting louder as she passes each individual. Talk afterwards about how the child playing Grandmother felt and which was stronger.

At the end of the session give some time for the class to write an entry from Jessie into her journal, telling her feeling about leaving.

Session 4, responding to an illustration in role
Use the picture showing the deck of the ship, on the IWB as before. Again ask what the class can see and talk about all the different people that are on this journey and the wild sea.
Look at Jessie, placed by the illustrator in the middle of the picture, curled alone. How does this make us feel about her?

Give the class time to talk in pairs about feelings and thoughts

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