When Jessie Came Across the Sea

by Amy Hest, P.J. Lynch (Illustrator)

"Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants." —  Publishers Weekly  (starred review)

When a young girl from a poor eastern European village learns that she must leave her beloved grandmother for a new life — and a new love — in America, they both feel that their hearts will break. The sure and inspired narrative by award-winning author Amy Hest is paired with paintings by P.J. Lynch that glow with warmth and carefully observed detail, creating an unforgettable tribute to the immigrant experience.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Immigration, Historical, Fiction, Jewish

40 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Amy Hest is a three-time winner of the Christopher Medal and winner of the BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Award. She lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie is chosen by the village rabbi to use an unused ticket to America. She has to leave her grandmother behind in "a very small house with a slanting roof." She was just thirteen, but her grandmother had taught her how to sew lace. Jessie would live with Aunt Kay in New York City and help in the dress shop. The gorgeous illustrations by P.J. Lynch invite us into Jessie's story as she makes her way across the ocean and sees the Statue of Liberty for the very first time. Jessie will use her lace-making skills to help with Aunt Kay's business, bless others, and save coins to bring grandmother over to live in New York City, too. A beautiful depiction of an immigrant and her story.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie lives with her Grandmother, one day their Rabbi gives a ticket to America to Jessie. Despite reservations Jessie goes to live with a cousin who has a dress shop. She saves the money she makes in the hope that one day her Grandmother can join her.

The illustrations are very talented, the expressions are captured perfectly, they remind me of ladybird books illustrations. This was a very nice story about the simple happiness of working hard to earn money, make others happy and to be with the ones you love.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Positively wonderful! Don't miss this exquisitely lovely story and it's life-like illustrations.

Ages: 5 - 10

Notes: Parents, this picture book is lengthier than others so could take 15-20 minutes to read.

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Friend of Pixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Logan, who is 6 1/2, liked this book. He usually prefers books that are populated by animals, are fable-like in nature, or are swashbucklers. But he's listened to all three of the "All-of-a-Kind Family" books (which I highly recommend), which are about an immigrant family living in turn-of-the-century New York, so the this book worked as a kind of companion to that. He got to see pictures of what New York looked like at that time, what the clothes were like, and so on. Also, we'd talked about what it means to be an immigrant, but this brought home the whole process of saving to emmigrate, being on the boat, seeing the Statue of Liberty, arriving at Ellis Island, and standing in endless lines there. I would have given it 4 stars, but he didn't ask to read it again.

For myself, I loved the beautiful illustrations and found the story to be just right in tone for a boy Logan's age. It leaves out the really dark side of that time and place, but it does hint that things could be difficult. Of course, it made me all teary in a couple places, but Logan's used to that by now...

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book shares the immigrant experience of many eastern Europeans through the eyes of Jesse, a Jewish teen, who is awarded a ticket to America. She reluctantly leaves her beloved Grandmother and travels on the boat that will take her past the awe inspiring Statue of Liberty to Ellis Island. Other passengers of various ethnic backgrounds are shown, and Jesse befriends a young man named Lou. Taken in by a dressmaker in NYC, Jesse sews lace, and by chance re-meets Lou and a romance develops. Years go by with Jesse learning to speak and write in English, and all the while saving money for a ticket for her Grandmother to join her. Jesse has put off marrying Lou until she is reunited with her Grandmother, so the final page of the reunion is lovely and heartwarming. I cry every time I get to the end of this book.

[(NS) Heatherk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie is a young European girl who looses her parents when she is young. She is raised by her Grandmother, who insists that Jessie learns to read and write from the rabbi. Jessie teaches her Grandmother what she has learned in the evening.

The rabbi chooses Jessie to travel to America to help his cousin in her sewing factory. Jessie is nervous with anticipation as she travels to the New World. Jessie makes a life for herself in America and brings the theme of coming to age to life in this book.

The book is well written with robust vocabulary words that would lead to a nice discussion. The illustrations are beautiful and correlate so well with the text. I would recommend this story to any classroom learning about immigration, traveling to the New World, etc. A great pick!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous paintings and a graceful, luminous text tell a story that is about much more than immigration itself. I've read a lot of children's historical fiction, and this long picture-book is more meaningful and memorable, and *enjoyable,* than most of the novels I've read. I honestly do recommend it to every reader, young or old.
---
Reread for group. Still very highly recommended.

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is everyone's story, at least those of us whose ancestors came from Europe or other lands. Jessie is given a wonderful opportunity, free passage to America, but she is only 13 and has to leave the only home and family (her grandmother)she has ever known. But she is luckier than some because she has a place to live with Aunt Kay, and work she likes, sewing lace on delicate garments. Spoiler alert: She even finds romance with a friend from the boat.

Watercolor and gouache illustrations by P.J. Lynch supply warmth and color and necessary detail.

I would have liked more historical background (as in the American Girl stories), or at least an author's note. There is at best a note that the Jewish Museum in New York City checked it for accuracy in text and illustrations. Lexile 470, but older for interest (grades 4 and 5).

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story teaches me that I can do anything I put my mind to and that everybody has a brave spot deep down. 'Amy Hest' has taught me never to give up.

[Katie Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was really interesting and unique, as it talks about immigration and focuses on the immigration of a Jewish girl to America. It shows the struggle of having to leave behind loved ones to go and create a better life for yourself and your family. It also shows the importance of community and helping others. The genre of this book would be realistic fiction, as it depicts a fictional character in a real historical setting, doing something that people have done in history. I would use this book for instruction in grades 3-4 because of the level of text and the topic. One of the ways that I would use this book in my instruction would be to talk about current events involving immigration in the U.S., during my social studies block. I would read this book to students and have them research immigration issues in the U.S. and write a short summary on the event, then write how they think the people involved must be feeling. Another way I could use this in the class is reading it to the class and having them then writing their own short story about a fictional character that migrates to the United States and describe the personal story behind their character as well as how they felt coming to the U.S. I thought this was a WOW book because it really showed the various aspects of immigration, as in not only the physical aspects of it but also the emotional aspects of it. I appreciated the diversity of characters and thought that it was a great story to emphasize empathy with students.

Not an E-text.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jessie Came Across the Sea is an amazing story that really puts things into perspective. Jessie loses her parents as a small child and was raised by her grandmother until she's sent overseas against her wishes by her town. The story follows Jessie throughout her journey as she grows up and learns new things. She matures and she learns to do things on her own. At the end of the story, Jessie finally finds happiness through love and the arrival of her grandmother traveling to New York to attend her wedding.

This book's illustrations are beautifully made, all of them looking almost real. The drawing style is so realistic it's hard to imagine that these characters aren't actually real. The artist put a lot of detail into the pictures and without those pictures, the impact of the story wouldn't be so bold. If we didn't have those pictures to see the characters, I feel as if the story wouldn't be so strong. It's amazing to watch Jessie grow as a person in this story, her character development is written so well it's easy to follow along with her as she grows. It's a great book obviously meant for older children but one they should read.

[Neil Ninan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intro
If you were forced to leave your only family member to go to another country, what would you do? This is a problem that the character, Jessie from the book “When Jessie Came Across The Sea”, by Amy Hest faced. Jessie learned that there will be hard times, but if you go through them, things will get better.
Body para 1
Jessie found out that life will give her many hard times.
An example of this is when Jessie is trying new things with Grandmother. Jessie cried “Why do I have to learn!?” This shows that life will not give you what you want all the time but it will throw many obstacles because Jessie likes to teach, instead she is the one learning.

[Hebe Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-warming book that explores the themes of adventure and love. Written so beautifully and accompanied by such stunning paintings, it's hard not to be swept up in Jessie's world as she voyages to America for a new life. You can't read this book without experiencing every emotion that Hest and Lynch convey! A must read.

[Sayeeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and sweet

[Richard Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book with beautiful illustrations.

[Alyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written and well-illustrated picturebook about immigrants.

The story follows the life of Jessie, a young girl from a poor eastern European village, and her journey to New York City, America.

I love the illustrations very much. They are full of details and express the right emotions along with the storytelling.

[Gabi Walata · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest is a striking narrative of the quintessential immigrant experience during the turn of the century. Jessie is a young girl from a poor Eastern European village when it is determined that she will travel alone to America to live with a cousin. Heartbroken to leave her beloved grandmother behind, Jessie goes to this new land a makes a life for herself. Following Jessie's triumphs and tribulations through the letters she sends back to her grandmother, this historical fiction picture book is perfect for 1st-5th graders. I whole-heartedly recommend this book!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie, a young 13-year-old Jewish orphan is chosen by her Rabbi to leave her village and grandmother, to go to America on a ship. She will live with the Rabbi's sister-in-law, Kay, who is now a widow, in New York City. Jessie had learned how to sew lace from her grandmother and makes things for others on the ship, as well as working for Kay in her dress shop once she arrived in America. This was labeled as a cultural diversity book by the library from which I got it, but there really isn't much info about the Jewish religion nor any bias shown within the book by other characters. It's a sweet story but not a strong one, with no real gripping action. I liked some of the illustrations by P.J. Lynch, the illustrator, better than the story.

If this book was used in a classroom lesson, I would want to find other immigrant stories and perhaps have students create venn diagrams regarding the similarities in the characters' trips across the ocean to America.

[Allison Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book for many different reasons. I think that this book gives such a personal connection to immigrants and why they might come to America. The young girl, Jessie, in this book is sent to America by her Rabbi to sew in a shop in New York City. She is very scared to leave her only living relative, her grandmother, but has to get on the ship to sail to America. She arrives at Ellis Island and then starts working at the shop. She soon goes to classes to learn how to read and write in English and saves up her money to buy her grandmother a ticket to America. She runs into a boy that she met on the ship to America and they soon fall in love. Her grandmother finally makes it to America and the Jessie says that now she can get married.

I would use this book in my classroom to give an example of historical fiction and to pay close attention to details and the time period. I would use this book when I was discussing the large movement of European immigrants to America and the use of Ellis Island. I also think that this book can be used if I was doing a unit on courage. The girl in this book, Jessie, was only 13 when she went to America by herself! I think that she had a great amount of courage to do that and I think that is something that my students could relate to because they might be close in age or have a sibling that is that age. This book also gives students a very personal perspective on immigration and why people come to America. Everyone wanted to come to have a better life, find a job, and provide for their families. I think that is important to remember as we have a lot of people still immigrating to America, just from a different region.

This book was a WOW book for me because I think it does a great job connecting to readers and allowing them to see a different perspective. The pictures are gorgeous in this book and really allow the reader to visualize what the surroundings looked like at that time. The book flows well and would be an excellent read aloud, even to younger grades, and a book that many students would connect with.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated history book for children although all ages will enjoy the story of the young Jewish girl who came to America. Jessie lived in the old country in a small village with her grandmother. When Jessie was thirteen, the town Rabbi received a ticket to America but felt that he must stay at the village with his people. Everyone in the village wanted the ticket to America but the Rabbit chose Jessie to go on the journey to the new country and start a new life for herself. Jessie hated to leave her grandmother but she sailed on the ship across the ocean and even made a friend of a young shoemaker’s son on the way. When she reached America Jessie worked hard and saved her money so that her grandmother could come to America to join her. This is a wonderful story that will quickly become a family favorite.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful tale about an immigrant's experience coming to America. I have to admit that it's a bit sugar-coated, but on the whole, it shows the positive experiences of one young woman who discovers opportunity and love in America, even if the streets weren't paved with gold. The story ends abruptly and it left us wanting to know more about the characters and what happens next.

The illustrations are terrific; the people were so expressive and realistic. Overall, we thought this was a very good story and I liked that it helps to teach a bit of American history, too. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars I love the pictures of this books. It is interesting to hear immigrant stories. It is interesting that people thought American was the promised land and the streets were paved with gold, but perhaps compared to Eastern Europe, it wasn't so bad.

I like the letters back and forth to Grandmother back in the home Country.

Why I can't give it a 5 stars. Well, it ended very suddenly. The story starts s l o w and then she is engaged and then Grandmother is here from the home country ...the end! Still a very nice book. Could be a great realistic fiction for later elementary school!

[Meggie Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books growing up. I always wanted to add it to my collection now but could not remember the name of the book. I recently came across it in a used book store and instantly remembered it for it's beautiful illustrations and poignant story. In full honesty, I cried reading the story again as an adult. This book packs a great emotional punch! This touching depiction of a young woman forced to leave her family behind to immigrate to America would be an excellent addition to a unit focused on New York, Ellis Island and what it was like to be an immigrant during the Industrial Revolution in the United States.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If children grow up hearing this story, they may be more interested in the history of their own families. Sometimes, a family story may resemble Jessie's, but sometimes it may be very different. In either case, this story can plant the seeds of wonder. Why did my ancestors come here? Under what conditions? Where did they live before?

The art is worth studying; it will help the story come alive, even for the youngest kids.

2022: And, my great-grandmother was a lacemaker, so there's a relevant connection with our family.

[Lucia Benzor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great add to a text set on immigration. The feelings and troubles that the European travelers experienced is told very well. Sweet ending with good illustrations. Also touched on how life was in the home land before coming here and tells a little bit about how life was on the trip coming to the country.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lynch's paintings are lovely--especially the facial expressions (some artists really can't do faces; happily that's not the case with this book). But the story overall doesn't wow me. It seems a bit trite--too much crammed into too few pages, so the story feels a bit dumbed down or like an adult is talking down to a child. A bit predictable.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engrossing portrayal of one girl's immigrant experience. Fairly text heavy, so a good fit for upper elementary students. It would be interesting to compare this book to ones that explore the modern immigrant experience.

[Ruth]

Loved this book! It reminded me of All of a Kind Family, one of my favorite series.

[Clare Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

2019 Book Challenge #15: Book Published Pre 2000. It was published in 1997.
Touching story and beautiful illustrations.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got teared up at the end, sweet story!