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Dave at Night: A Novel About Loss, Hope, and Finding Family in 1930s Harlem for Kids
If nobody wants him, that's fine.He'll just take care of himself.
When his father dies, Dave knows nothing will ever be thesame. And then it happens. Dave lands in an orphanage—the cold and strict Hebrew Home for Boys in Harlem—far from the life he knew on the Lower East Side. But he's not so worried. He knows he'll be okay. He always is. If it doesn't work out, he'll just leave, find a better place to stay. But it's not that simple.
Outside the gates of the orphanage, the nighttime streets of Harlem buzz with jazz musicians and swindlers; exclusive parties and mystifying strangers. Inside, another world unfolds, thick with rare friendships and bitter enemies. Perhaps somewhere, among it all, Dave can find a place that feels like home.
When his father dies, Dave knows nothing will ever be thesame. And then it happens. Dave lands in an orphanage—the cold and strict Hebrew Home for Boys in Harlem—far from the life he knew on the Lower East Side. But he's not so worried. He knows he'll be okay. He always is. If it doesn't work out, he'll just leave, find a better place to stay. But it's not that simple.
Outside the gates of the orphanage, the nighttime streets of Harlem buzz with jazz musicians and swindlers; exclusive parties and mystifying strangers. Inside, another world unfolds, thick with rare friendships and bitter enemies. Perhaps somewhere, among it all, Dave can find a place that feels like home.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
60 people are currently reading
1438 people want to read
About the author
Gail Carson Levine
66 books9,690 followersJust letting you all know: I'm only going to review books I love. There's enough negative criticism without me piling on. A book is too hard to write.
Gail Carson Levine grew up in New York City and began writing seriously in 1987. Her first book for children, Ella Enchanted, was a 1998 Newbery Honor Book. Levine's other books include Fairest; Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults; The Wish; The Two Princesses of Bamarre; and the six Princess Tales books. She is also the author of the nonfiction book Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and the picture book Betsy Who Cried Wolf, illustrated by Scott Nash. Gail, her husband, David, and their Airedale, Baxter, live in a 1790 farmhouse in the Hudson River Valley of New York State.
Gail Carson Levine grew up in New York City and began writing seriously in 1987. Her first book for children, Ella Enchanted, was a 1998 Newbery Honor Book. Levine's other books include Fairest; Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults; The Wish; The Two Princesses of Bamarre; and the six Princess Tales books. She is also the author of the nonfiction book Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and the picture book Betsy Who Cried Wolf, illustrated by Scott Nash. Gail, her husband, David, and their Airedale, Baxter, live in a 1790 farmhouse in the Hudson River Valley of New York State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
July 8, 2011
This utterly charming story by the author of ELLA ENCHANTED often gets overlooked in favor of Levine's fantasy books, but it truly should not be. Dave is a wonderful character, as are the people he meets sneaking out at night to dance and listen to music in Harlem during the Jazz Age. This is a beautiful book, and a labor of love for the author, whose father grew up in a similar situation.
October 28, 2008
This engaging story by the author of Ella Enchanted transports us to 1926 Manhattan, from the teeming immigrant neighborhoods of the lower east side to the artistic Renaissance evolving uptown in Harlem. The sudden death of his father leaves David Caros orphaned and abandoned by his uncaring stepmother, so he is taken to the Hebrew Home for Boys, an "asylum" with a dubious reputation. There he suffers under the despotic rule of the headmaster, Mr.Bloom, but develops a close bond with his buddies, who protect each other from the abuse of the older bullies. He meets a strange character named Solly the Gonif who introduces him to the surreal nightlife of Harlem. A riveting plot and strong character development make this a fascinating read for upper elementary students.
This is a great choice for capable 4th or 5th grade readers. Colorful, well crafted characters, a well defined sense of time and place, and several cliff-hangar chapter endings make it an engaging read. I would describe it as a kind of "Annie" for boys, in which a likable, strong, clever, neglected, but hopeful orphan overcomes enormous obstables in order to realize his dreams and find a place to belong. In my opinion, the most fascinating aspect of the book is the subplot featuring the people that Dave meets in Harlem, such as a wealthy African-American patron of the arts and her adopted daughter, W.E.B. DuBois, and Langston Hughes. Further inquiry into the lives of these historical personalities would add a rich dimension to the study of this novel, especially if the reader investigated the poetry of Langston Hughes.
This is a great choice for capable 4th or 5th grade readers. Colorful, well crafted characters, a well defined sense of time and place, and several cliff-hangar chapter endings make it an engaging read. I would describe it as a kind of "Annie" for boys, in which a likable, strong, clever, neglected, but hopeful orphan overcomes enormous obstables in order to realize his dreams and find a place to belong. In my opinion, the most fascinating aspect of the book is the subplot featuring the people that Dave meets in Harlem, such as a wealthy African-American patron of the arts and her adopted daughter, W.E.B. DuBois, and Langston Hughes. Further inquiry into the lives of these historical personalities would add a rich dimension to the study of this novel, especially if the reader investigated the poetry of Langston Hughes.
December 5, 2015
This book is rad! But no one reads it! Why? Maybe it didn't win the right medals. Maybe the cover is too boring. I blame the title! It's boring! Let's fix it! I think these would be better:
CHUTZPAH THE HARD WAY
DAVE CAROS AND THE GREAT ORPHANAGE BREAKOUT
GOTTA GET THAT CARVING
HELL HOLE FOR BRATS
THE GAMIN AND THE GONIFF
DAVE CAROS MEETS MR. DOOM
A RASCAL, A FLOWER, A GONIFF, AND MR. DOOM
OUTRAGE AT THE ORPHANAGE
Maybe they'll fix it on the next reprint. This thing deserves to be read more. It's got that special Christopher Paul Curtis vibe of hard things happening, but offset by wry narration. Dave Caros has so much attitude that you just latch onto him from page 1 and cheer him through the hard times. Unlike some orphan-type stories, this guy never gives up. He takes matters into his own hands right from the get-go. You gotta cheer for him.
This is the only book for young readers I've come across with a Jewish protagonist that is not about the Holocaust, so big ups for that. It's filling a huge vacuum in YA lit. I was a bit puzzled when one of the minor characters started railing on the "schvartzers," though. It was thrown in and rebutted really awkwardly. I get why Levine did that- it would be naive to assume that the Harlem Renaissance occurred in an absence of racism. Still, I felt like the African-American characters were doing just fine on their own without being contrasted by a racist remark.
CHUTZPAH THE HARD WAY
DAVE CAROS AND THE GREAT ORPHANAGE BREAKOUT
GOTTA GET THAT CARVING
HELL HOLE FOR BRATS
THE GAMIN AND THE GONIFF
DAVE CAROS MEETS MR. DOOM
A RASCAL, A FLOWER, A GONIFF, AND MR. DOOM
OUTRAGE AT THE ORPHANAGE
Maybe they'll fix it on the next reprint. This thing deserves to be read more. It's got that special Christopher Paul Curtis vibe of hard things happening, but offset by wry narration. Dave Caros has so much attitude that you just latch onto him from page 1 and cheer him through the hard times. Unlike some orphan-type stories, this guy never gives up. He takes matters into his own hands right from the get-go. You gotta cheer for him.
This is the only book for young readers I've come across with a Jewish protagonist that is not about the Holocaust, so big ups for that. It's filling a huge vacuum in YA lit. I was a bit puzzled when one of the minor characters started railing on the "schvartzers," though. It was thrown in and rebutted really awkwardly. I get why Levine did that- it would be naive to assume that the Harlem Renaissance occurred in an absence of racism. Still, I felt like the African-American characters were doing just fine on their own without being contrasted by a racist remark.
February 10, 2009
This book is different from most of the other books by Gail Carson Levine (and I have read most of her work in the last month and a half).
In this book, the main character is a spunky boy instead of a spunky girl. The boy is 11 years old, instead of about 15. There is no magic nor mythical creatures in this book; this one is firmly set in the reality of depression era USA.
Dave of the title is the main character. He is placed in an orphanage by his stepmother when his father dies. Dave is a rascal and decides to sneak outside one night. Of course, adventure ensues.
I sent a copy of this book to my nephew for his 11th birthday. I think that's a pretty good recommendation.
In this book, the main character is a spunky boy instead of a spunky girl. The boy is 11 years old, instead of about 15. There is no magic nor mythical creatures in this book; this one is firmly set in the reality of depression era USA.
Dave of the title is the main character. He is placed in an orphanage by his stepmother when his father dies. Dave is a rascal and decides to sneak outside one night. Of course, adventure ensues.
I sent a copy of this book to my nephew for his 11th birthday. I think that's a pretty good recommendation.
February 29, 2020
Final count: 3 sobs, 2 gasps, countless chuckles, and vast enjoyment.
April 14, 2013
Dave, the hero of the story, is immediately endearing, as is his papa, whose loss I feel keenly. Even in his deep grief Dave retains his sense of curiosity and adventure, and he tries to dull his emotions and hurt by insisting to himself and others he doesn't need anyone. He is actually dying to be wanted, and in the end he chooses friendship and connection over freedom, staying in the hated HHB for his wonderful 'buddies' there.
The humor, analogies, and insights throughout the novel feel very natural and not contrived, and though the sentences tend to be short, almost cryptic, they have flow.
In the beginning I follow Dave closely as the reader, as each event and scene is followed up with his thoughts about them. Later, though, he starts to slip away from me, as it were, particularly when he first escapes the orphanage by night and joins the rent party. How does he feel about the party and the people there--at ease? Comforted? Welcome? Does he breathe a sigh of relief? It is clear at once how he feels about the orphanage, but not about other places.
I do get a little bored towards the middle, and there is a little too much description of every room, object, person.
I like Solly and Irma Lee and how they at once 'take him in', but I think I would feel more for both of them if I found out more about their backgrounds--perhaps more dialogue with Dave asking them questions about themselves.
Still, there's a great struggle between Dave's wish to leave the orphanage and stay with his buddies and artistic opportunities, and a satisfying resolution.
The humor, analogies, and insights throughout the novel feel very natural and not contrived, and though the sentences tend to be short, almost cryptic, they have flow.
In the beginning I follow Dave closely as the reader, as each event and scene is followed up with his thoughts about them. Later, though, he starts to slip away from me, as it were, particularly when he first escapes the orphanage by night and joins the rent party. How does he feel about the party and the people there--at ease? Comforted? Welcome? Does he breathe a sigh of relief? It is clear at once how he feels about the orphanage, but not about other places.
I do get a little bored towards the middle, and there is a little too much description of every room, object, person.
I like Solly and Irma Lee and how they at once 'take him in', but I think I would feel more for both of them if I found out more about their backgrounds--perhaps more dialogue with Dave asking them questions about themselves.
Still, there's a great struggle between Dave's wish to leave the orphanage and stay with his buddies and artistic opportunities, and a satisfying resolution.
February 29, 2020
A delightful story set within 1920s Harlem, this early book by Gail Carson Levine might be short on fantasy, but it makes up for it with interesting depictions of 20th century Jewish American and African American culture. Some parts seemed a little implausible. The villain, in particular, was rather cartoonish for an otherwise very realistic book. Also, I'm not sure why Irma Lee was up all night at parties. Especially since her mother seemed so overprotective of her, wouldn't she make sure she was safe in bed before hosting her extravagant shindigs?
Besides these minor quibbles, I enjoyed the story immensely. It might not have ended "happily ever after," but it ended hopeful. And for millions of orphans, including Carson Levine's own father, whose real story inspired this book, that's not a bad place to be.
Besides these minor quibbles, I enjoyed the story immensely. It might not have ended "happily ever after," but it ended hopeful. And for millions of orphans, including Carson Levine's own father, whose real story inspired this book, that's not a bad place to be.
April 11, 2021
This is one of the few Gail Carson Levine books I hadn't read yet and I really enjoyed it!
Although my favorite will always be her fantasy, I've loved both historical fiction I've read by her. This one was rich with history, characters, and relationships I was cheering on. I loved Dave's growth throughout the book and was especially touched by his forgiveness of his brother.
Overall, I thought it was a great middle grade read for kids and adults.
Although my favorite will always be her fantasy, I've loved both historical fiction I've read by her. This one was rich with history, characters, and relationships I was cheering on. I loved Dave's growth throughout the book and was especially touched by his forgiveness of his brother.
Overall, I thought it was a great middle grade read for kids and adults.
December 15, 2021
I was torn between 4 and 5 stars, but I bumped it up after learning that Dave at Night was based on the author's father's [David Carson] actual childhood. I further appreciated that the novel was set in the Hebrew Home for Boys [HHB], based on the real Hebrew Orphan Asylum, which was also the setting for another novel I read recently, The Hidden Palace.
My sister, a big fan of YA literature, recommended this book to me years ago, and I'm so glad she did. I enjoyed how our rascal orphan hero found his way into the lively Harlem Renaissance scene to escape the awfulness at the HHB. The characters--buddies, allrightniks, nogoodniks--are so well drawn I never doubted that such people actually existed. I particularly liked Solly, the kindhearted gonif who takes Dave under his crooked wing. I also appreciated how, despite a publishing date of 1999, the black characters are individuals and not stereotypes.
Only people of a certain age will remember the Little Rascals and Our Gang short movies, which ran in 1922-1944. That's how I imagine the elevens of HHB to look and behave. No matter how much mischief they engaged in, everything always turned out well in the end. Same happy result in this book as well.
My sister, a big fan of YA literature, recommended this book to me years ago, and I'm so glad she did. I enjoyed how our rascal orphan hero found his way into the lively Harlem Renaissance scene to escape the awfulness at the HHB. The characters--buddies, allrightniks, nogoodniks--are so well drawn I never doubted that such people actually existed. I particularly liked Solly, the kindhearted gonif who takes Dave under his crooked wing. I also appreciated how, despite a publishing date of 1999, the black characters are individuals and not stereotypes.
Only people of a certain age will remember the Little Rascals and Our Gang short movies, which ran in 1922-1944. That's how I imagine the elevens of HHB to look and behave. No matter how much mischief they engaged in, everything always turned out well in the end. Same happy result in this book as well.
November 16, 2011
“If I did not know better, it would have been the last place I’d have guessed was a Home, the last place for kids to live…We went in. The door thudded closed behind us and clicked shut. As soon as I heard the click I wanted to leave.” And, so 11-year old orphan Dave Caros’ new life begins at the Hebrew Home for Boys, aka, Hell Hole for Brats. But Dave won’t runaway until he gets back his most prized possession—a wooden Noah’s Ark carved by his late father—which was confiscated along with all his other belongings by the cruel and abusive headmaster Mr. Bloom, aka, Mr. Doom. While biding his time until he can make his move, Dave stands up to the school bullies, bonds with his fellow “elevens” at the orphanage, and develops his artistic talents thanks to the encouragement of his art teacher. He also sneaks out at night, where he meets Solly, a con artist fortuneteller, who shows him the exciting nightlife filled with jazz and colorful characters of 1926 Harlem. During his nighttime excursions, Dave meets famous artists, writers, and poets of the Harlem Renaissance. He also meets and forms a very special friendship with Irma Lee, an African-American heiress, whose influential mother supports and showcases the arts. Because of Solly, Irma Lee and her mother, his fellow orphans, and his art lessons, Dave comes to realize that he does not want to runaway. He has a family, just a different kind. Together they help to oust the dreaded Mr. Doom and improve life at the orphanage.
February 7, 2019
What a satisfying book. I read this to my 7 year old son, and he and I truly enjoyed it. It is one of those novels where he would ask for extra reading time (multiple times) throughout they day, and I was happy to oblige him because I wanted to know what would happen next as well.
It was our first venture together out of the genre of fantasy, and I was so surprised how thoroughly Bret took to it.
I love this author, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that we loved Dave at Night. I found this book at a thrift store after seeing it mentioned on a booklist of lovely junior novels. I absolutely recommend it.
It was our first venture together out of the genre of fantasy, and I was so surprised how thoroughly Bret took to it.
I love this author, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that we loved Dave at Night. I found this book at a thrift store after seeing it mentioned on a booklist of lovely junior novels. I absolutely recommend it.
June 24, 2024
This is a reread of one of my favorite childhood books. Dave at Night really makes me stop and think about life not that long ago. It was so different. This book really captures the fun in those times as well as the darker side. It's such a fun thing to read with yourself or to your kids.
August 22, 2021
This was a good story. Eleven-year-old Dave, although he has an older brother, a stepmother, and lots of extended family, gets sent to an orphanage after his father dies. As you would expect, the headmaster is evil and abusive, and the older boys are bullies.
Dave, though, escapes the orphanage at night to wander the booming streets of 1920s Harlem, meeting all kinds of interesting characters, forming his own community of friends and found family. It reminds me a little of the Young Indiana Jones TV show in which, wherever he goes, he inevitably meets all the most famous names and movers and shakers of that area/time period.
This is fun, but honestly the thing I respect most about this book is the way it deals with emotion. Dave is a little boy, a "rascal," dealing with a lot of horrible things at once. He's upset, angry, sad, abandoned -- and I think this shows him dealing with that in a way that makes a lot of sense. The story doesn't fall into the trap of just glossing around it, but also doesn't make it unrealistic for a hard-nosed, stickball-playing kid from the New York streets, either.
Dave, though, escapes the orphanage at night to wander the booming streets of 1920s Harlem, meeting all kinds of interesting characters, forming his own community of friends and found family. It reminds me a little of the Young Indiana Jones TV show in which, wherever he goes, he inevitably meets all the most famous names and movers and shakers of that area/time period.
This is fun, but honestly the thing I respect most about this book is the way it deals with emotion. Dave is a little boy, a "rascal," dealing with a lot of horrible things at once. He's upset, angry, sad, abandoned -- and I think this shows him dealing with that in a way that makes a lot of sense. The story doesn't fall into the trap of just glossing around it, but also doesn't make it unrealistic for a hard-nosed, stickball-playing kid from the New York streets, either.
May 30, 2020
Dave at Night is a great book about an orphan boy who lives in the orphanage HHB( a.k.a Hell Home for Brats). The man in charge, Mr. Boom( a.k.a Mr. Doom) is strict and hits the orphans, the food is awful, and the rooms are cold. But Dave isn't called Dave the Rascal for nothing. He sneaks outside and makes friends. Will Dave find a place to call home? Find out in Dave at Night!
This is a great book, full of action and adventure and twists, making readers continue turning pages and unsure of what will happen. The reader can easily connect and love the characters, and enjoy cheering Dave on.
I definitely recommend this book for older kids to read and a read aloud for younger kids! Five Stars!
This is a great book, full of action and adventure and twists, making readers continue turning pages and unsure of what will happen. The reader can easily connect and love the characters, and enjoy cheering Dave on.
I definitely recommend this book for older kids to read and a read aloud for younger kids! Five Stars!
February 10, 2025
What a cute little book. This was such a different book by Gail Carson Levine. I adored the buddies of the orphanage. How sweet! I was afraid the orphanage would be horrible. Sure, the superintendent of the orphanage was awful, but the kids were so sweet. I loved Solly and his bird. What great characters. And Irma Lee and her mama were so sweet and caring. As always, Levine has written about some beautiful characters and the ending is quite satisfying.
April 9, 2024
Juvenile fiction
This was such a fun, heartwarming book. A true juvenile book, it follows Dave through some tough experiences in a wholesome and enjoyable way.
Definitely a book I look forward to reading to Baby T someday!
I would definitely recommend it. Appropriate for 4th grade and up!
This was such a fun, heartwarming book. A true juvenile book, it follows Dave through some tough experiences in a wholesome and enjoyable way.
Definitely a book I look forward to reading to Baby T someday!
I would definitely recommend it. Appropriate for 4th grade and up!
August 31, 2019
I have mixed feelings on this book. On the one hand I liked it a lot because it was a unique story set in history- but at the same time I really didn't care for the ending.
At the beginning of the book we meet Dave. Dave becomes an orphan because his dad dies and his step mother doesn't want to take care of him so she leaves him in the orphanage. The first night he sneaks out and meets Solly the old man that starts calling him grandson and they go to parties together. I really wish that we learned more about Solly because we only learn that he is a scam artist travelling around parties with his parrot Bandit and giving people fake fortune shows.
I also wish that we learned more about Irma Lee and her relationship with Dave- I mean she starts by saying that she wishes she wasn't so sheltered and she could go to school like other kids but that goes nowhere. And I feel like the book ended rather abruptly. I am glad that Dave got happy ending and he ended up staying at that orphanage and learning how to draw and that things changed for the better when Irma Lee and her mother threatened the old principal that was violent and beating kids but still, I feel like this book ended way too fast and so many things were left open.
I did like the setting and descriptions of the parties though, that was interesting to read about.
As for the book I am not sure if I am picking this one up again any time soon.
At the beginning of the book we meet Dave. Dave becomes an orphan because his dad dies and his step mother doesn't want to take care of him so she leaves him in the orphanage. The first night he sneaks out and meets Solly the old man that starts calling him grandson and they go to parties together. I really wish that we learned more about Solly because we only learn that he is a scam artist travelling around parties with his parrot Bandit and giving people fake fortune shows.
I also wish that we learned more about Irma Lee and her relationship with Dave- I mean she starts by saying that she wishes she wasn't so sheltered and she could go to school like other kids but that goes nowhere. And I feel like the book ended rather abruptly. I am glad that Dave got happy ending and he ended up staying at that orphanage and learning how to draw and that things changed for the better when Irma Lee and her mother threatened the old principal that was violent and beating kids but still, I feel like this book ended way too fast and so many things were left open.
I did like the setting and descriptions of the parties though, that was interesting to read about.
As for the book I am not sure if I am picking this one up again any time soon.
April 9, 2008
Although clever, engaging, backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance and support characters are compelling, stilted writing in this hard-luck, route orphan tale fail to deliver.
CIP: When orphaned Dave is sent to the Hebrew Home for Boys where he is treated cruelly, he sneaks out at night and is welcomed into the music- and culture-filled world of the Harlem Renaissance.
"Readers will celebrate life with Dave." School Library Journal
"Historical details ring true." Kirkus
OK, so, here's the problem with this book...I was expecting the moon and got a few stars. Unfortunately, I was really, really looking forward to reading this...and then I read it and it was kind of a let-down...which is only to say that maybe it wasn't the best book for me at the right time. I think that it has its place and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it; I think there's some good stuff in here...I just wanted it to rock my world and it didn't. I did love Solly and some of the descriptions of New York.
CIP: When orphaned Dave is sent to the Hebrew Home for Boys where he is treated cruelly, he sneaks out at night and is welcomed into the music- and culture-filled world of the Harlem Renaissance.
"Readers will celebrate life with Dave." School Library Journal
"Historical details ring true." Kirkus
OK, so, here's the problem with this book...I was expecting the moon and got a few stars. Unfortunately, I was really, really looking forward to reading this...and then I read it and it was kind of a let-down...which is only to say that maybe it wasn't the best book for me at the right time. I think that it has its place and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it; I think there's some good stuff in here...I just wanted it to rock my world and it didn't. I did love Solly and some of the descriptions of New York.
May 2, 2009
(Genre:Young adult fiction) When I think of books by Gail Carson Levine, my mind automatically goes to young adult fantasy (like "Ella Enchanted", which I really enjoyed when I first read it--the movie was another story :) ). In "Dave at Night" Levine seems far away from the fantasy that I associate her with. I thought she did a great job with it, though. I really found myself caring for Dave and I was fascinated by the Harlem night life that she portrayed in the book. The story follows eleven year old Dave who is sent to live in a dismal orphanage after the accidental death of his father. The cruel nature of others and the harshness of life alone is a big part of the story, but so is the flip side. Caring people that are willing to see the goodness in others and encourage its development, as well as those who show great loyalty and sacrifice personal comfort for the benefit of another. Good story with a great message.
October 30, 2017
2.5 stars. There are things I like about this book and things I didn't. I liked that the boys in the orphanage called each other buddy and treated each other well.
I was bothered by the all night parties, and wondered if those were based on fact. I can't imagine a household with a young child having parties that lasted all night. In my research of this topic, it appears that rent parties did indeed last all night. I also didn't like that at the end of the book, the people helping Dave only seemed to care about the 11s. I can't imagine not caring about the other boys who were being abused.
I liked Dave's relationship with Solly, but I felt his reasons for leaving him in the home were contrived.
I also wonder if Dave as an orphan in pajamas really would have been welcomed into high society parties. Over all the book was okay, and I learned some things, but it isn't my favorite by Levine.
I was bothered by the all night parties, and wondered if those were based on fact. I can't imagine a household with a young child having parties that lasted all night. In my research of this topic, it appears that rent parties did indeed last all night. I also didn't like that at the end of the book, the people helping Dave only seemed to care about the 11s. I can't imagine not caring about the other boys who were being abused.
I liked Dave's relationship with Solly, but I felt his reasons for leaving him in the home were contrived.
I also wonder if Dave as an orphan in pajamas really would have been welcomed into high society parties. Over all the book was okay, and I learned some things, but it isn't my favorite by Levine.
August 31, 2016
Author project requirement
This book was definitely different than the other GCL books I am used to reading! But, it was a pleasant read. A mash up of Yiddish/Hebrew and African American culture during the Haarlem Renaissance, this story was a cultural treat. Mentioning different artists, poems, musicians, etc. made it really interesting to read and is a great way to name drop to Young Adults for future education. I love the time period of this book the most, and I am a die hard fan of orphans-finding-justice tales. The main message: family is what you come up with; it is a perfect mash up of "buddies" and unlikely friendships.
This book was definitely different than the other GCL books I am used to reading! But, it was a pleasant read. A mash up of Yiddish/Hebrew and African American culture during the Haarlem Renaissance, this story was a cultural treat. Mentioning different artists, poems, musicians, etc. made it really interesting to read and is a great way to name drop to Young Adults for future education. I love the time period of this book the most, and I am a die hard fan of orphans-finding-justice tales. The main message: family is what you come up with; it is a perfect mash up of "buddies" and unlikely friendships.
September 8, 2016
Renewed this at the library the maximum amount of times before I realized I just did not have enough enthusiasm in the story to continue it. As far as orphan stories go, it was way too predictable, and I felt most of the first chapters could've been left out as implied backstory. By the time the REAL story started, I'd just lost interest.
June 8, 2010
I was surprised at how engaging I found this to be. Levine does a good job of creating a tale based on her father's early life. I think, perhaps, her love for her dad is part of what gives this book an extra sparkle.
October 15, 2013
Esther and I met Gail Carson Levine recently at our local library. She mostly talked about this book and why she wrote it. Getting to know a little about her father, who is Dave, made the book a more personal read. She said it is her favorite of the books she's written. Well written and enjoyable.
May 29, 2024
This novel is nothing like Gail Carson Levine’s other books. If you’re looking for another Ella Enchanted or Fairest then this is not the book for you. I mean, Dave is (gasp) a boy. No frilly dresses, princes or fairy godmothers anywhere in the story.
And, unlike all those other fantasy novels, this one really might have happened. Dave’s world is all too real. It’s nuanced. It’s sad. There are no princesses or princes to save the day. There’s only one young orphan, abandoned by all his relatives and left at the mercy of a cruel headmaster, who’s forced to save himself.
This novel is more in line with Uprising in that it’s historical, suspenseful and there’s a Jewish narrator who relates to their Judaism on some level.
Dave is a main character with personality. His personal growth is one of the story’s main strengths. He faces danger heads on, stands up for his friends, and by the end of the story he’s a better, more mature version of himself. The ending is sweet too, when, thanks to his new friends, the abusive headmaster is even removed.
I mean, it’s all nice and good. But something didn’t sit well with me and I’m not quite sure what it was. Was it that I expected another Ella Enchanted? Or maybe I took issue with the fact that Dave’s only benefactor is Solly the goniff (literally thief), or the one time Solly calls Dave a "little momzer" as an endearment, (a mamzer basically means an illegitimate child in Yiddish). The partying at night wasn’t completely my speed either.
Either way, this is a sad, empowering read that the right audience will love. It’s a unique read and offers a fascinating peek into history. Jewish hero. Historical view of the Lower East Side. An orphan who finds himself a home. If any of this sounds interesting, you just might want to check this out.
Similar:
Content:
Violence:
Dave watches his father die on their couch. He’s then abandoned by his family and sent to an orphanage where the boys are beaten to the point of losing teeth and breaking bones, and no one cares what happens to them.
Religion:
Dave is Jewish, which is mentioned a couple of times, and there is a smattering of Yiddish words throughout. A rabbi helped bury his father. They sit shiva for him (a Jewish week of mourning). There’s a picture and carving of Noah’s ark. Dave joins Solly at parties, where Solly warns him the meat is probably pork and nothing’s kosher. Dave later eats fish eggs and other non kosher seafood. At his orphanage is a superstitious boy who kisses a rabbit foot before eating. Dave and his friends pretend to curse him with magic.
Romance:
Dave befriends a black girl. They kiss each other on the cheek. Dave once overhears a love song about a man who falls in love with a bunch of women, and marries a few, one who marries him then runs away with his brother.
Language:
Few uses of cr*p. Once, Dave is called a "little momzer" as an endearment, which means a child born of a forbidden relationship.
Other:
“Solly the gonif” (the thief) takes Dave under his wing. He spends his nights telling fake fortunes and taking people’s money. Once, Dave escapes his orphanage and walks around the streets at night in his pajamas going to a party. There is a rich African American family who are referred to as “shvartzas” (literally, not Jewish).
And, unlike all those other fantasy novels, this one really might have happened. Dave’s world is all too real. It’s nuanced. It’s sad. There are no princesses or princes to save the day. There’s only one young orphan, abandoned by all his relatives and left at the mercy of a cruel headmaster, who’s forced to save himself.
This novel is more in line with Uprising in that it’s historical, suspenseful and there’s a Jewish narrator who relates to their Judaism on some level.
Dave is a main character with personality. His personal growth is one of the story’s main strengths. He faces danger heads on, stands up for his friends, and by the end of the story he’s a better, more mature version of himself. The ending is sweet too, when, thanks to his new friends, the abusive headmaster is even removed.
I mean, it’s all nice and good. But something didn’t sit well with me and I’m not quite sure what it was. Was it that I expected another Ella Enchanted? Or maybe I took issue with the fact that Dave’s only benefactor is Solly the goniff (literally thief), or the one time Solly calls Dave a "little momzer" as an endearment, (a mamzer basically means an illegitimate child in Yiddish). The partying at night wasn’t completely my speed either.
Either way, this is a sad, empowering read that the right audience will love. It’s a unique read and offers a fascinating peek into history. Jewish hero. Historical view of the Lower East Side. An orphan who finds himself a home. If any of this sounds interesting, you just might want to check this out.
Similar:
Content:
Violence:
Dave watches his father die on their couch. He’s then abandoned by his family and sent to an orphanage where the boys are beaten to the point of losing teeth and breaking bones, and no one cares what happens to them.
Religion:
Dave is Jewish, which is mentioned a couple of times, and there is a smattering of Yiddish words throughout. A rabbi helped bury his father. They sit shiva for him (a Jewish week of mourning). There’s a picture and carving of Noah’s ark. Dave joins Solly at parties, where Solly warns him the meat is probably pork and nothing’s kosher. Dave later eats fish eggs and other non kosher seafood. At his orphanage is a superstitious boy who kisses a rabbit foot before eating. Dave and his friends pretend to curse him with magic.
Romance:
Dave befriends a black girl. They kiss each other on the cheek. Dave once overhears a love song about a man who falls in love with a bunch of women, and marries a few, one who marries him then runs away with his brother.
Language:
Few uses of cr*p. Once, Dave is called a "little momzer" as an endearment, which means a child born of a forbidden relationship.
Other:
“Solly the gonif” (the thief) takes Dave under his wing. He spends his nights telling fake fortunes and taking people’s money. Once, Dave escapes his orphanage and walks around the streets at night in his pajamas going to a party. There is a rich African American family who are referred to as “shvartzas” (literally, not Jewish).
Read
April 9, 2018Dave at Night
Summary:
When Dave,the main character, turns 11 his tough life officially starts. Since the death of his father, Dave does not have a place to stay. Additionally, his mother died while giving birth to him so he has never seen her. Furthermore, Ida, his step mom, does not want to take care of Dave or Gideon, his brother. However, Dave’s uncle takes Gideon for adoption leaving Dave without someone to take care of him. Moreover, Ida decides to put Dave in the HHB,Hebrew Home for Boys.
Secondly, he was greeted by Mr.Boom, the principal, where the students there know him for his short tempered mind. Furthermore, when he arrived there he noticed that his Noah ark is not in his suitcase;eventually, he notices that “Mr.Doom” took it from him. As time goes on, Dave decides to escape the house during the night to see the beauty of the world. He meets his future best friend, Solly, who is known for telling fortunes for a living. Also, he makes a new friend Irma Lee, an African American woman, and they are similar in age. Later on, when he comes back, Mr. Doom punishes him. Finally, throughout the story, Dave continuous to enjoy the world when sneaking out at night.
Review:
Dave At Night is a story packed with action, since Dave is doing something most kids at HHB aren't doing. Furthermore, what strikes me the most is when he explains his night out in details:”Her hands were smaller than mine. I didn't want to crush it, but I didn’t want to hold so loosely that we got separated”(Levine 71). Basically, Dave explains the way he will hold her hand. Because of his word choice, Levine keeps making the story more interesting. In addition, through his word choice Levine suggests that Dave is really nervous while trying to hold Irma’s hand. Furthermore, Levine portrays Mr. Boom in a way that surprisingly effects the story in a positive way. Because he is illustrated as a scary character, whenever he appears the sudden idea of Mr.Doom appears. Furthermore, as soon as we hear his name, our hearts fall into our stomach’s. All in all, the story portrays a positive view on the 1920s and shows the beauty of the outside world.
Summary:
When Dave,the main character, turns 11 his tough life officially starts. Since the death of his father, Dave does not have a place to stay. Additionally, his mother died while giving birth to him so he has never seen her. Furthermore, Ida, his step mom, does not want to take care of Dave or Gideon, his brother. However, Dave’s uncle takes Gideon for adoption leaving Dave without someone to take care of him. Moreover, Ida decides to put Dave in the HHB,Hebrew Home for Boys.
Secondly, he was greeted by Mr.Boom, the principal, where the students there know him for his short tempered mind. Furthermore, when he arrived there he noticed that his Noah ark is not in his suitcase;eventually, he notices that “Mr.Doom” took it from him. As time goes on, Dave decides to escape the house during the night to see the beauty of the world. He meets his future best friend, Solly, who is known for telling fortunes for a living. Also, he makes a new friend Irma Lee, an African American woman, and they are similar in age. Later on, when he comes back, Mr. Doom punishes him. Finally, throughout the story, Dave continuous to enjoy the world when sneaking out at night.
Review:
Dave At Night is a story packed with action, since Dave is doing something most kids at HHB aren't doing. Furthermore, what strikes me the most is when he explains his night out in details:”Her hands were smaller than mine. I didn't want to crush it, but I didn’t want to hold so loosely that we got separated”(Levine 71). Basically, Dave explains the way he will hold her hand. Because of his word choice, Levine keeps making the story more interesting. In addition, through his word choice Levine suggests that Dave is really nervous while trying to hold Irma’s hand. Furthermore, Levine portrays Mr. Boom in a way that surprisingly effects the story in a positive way. Because he is illustrated as a scary character, whenever he appears the sudden idea of Mr.Doom appears. Furthermore, as soon as we hear his name, our hearts fall into our stomach’s. All in all, the story portrays a positive view on the 1920s and shows the beauty of the outside world.
abandoned
June 14, 2021DNF @ 15%
Dang it, seems I'm becoming the DNF Queen.* After a rash of DNF's last week, I have enjoyed several since, and completed two absolutely brilliant books just yesterday. The curse was seemingly lifted! But no...
In brief. Dave is a sweet, rambunctious little kid. We meet him immediately before he experiences devastating loss. His father dies; at the wake his stepmother announces to the family that she can't keep him or his brother; his brother is taken by an uncle while Dave himself ends up dropped off at an orphanage. The people running the orphanage are scary, imposing men. His classmates are bright little jewels a friendliness, which is then immediately overshadowed by older classmates who are dreadful bullies. I was already reaching to stop the audiobook when I hear that Dave is furiously spitting into his food to prevent the older boy from stealing the very meager portion, to no avail (YUCK).
I quite enjoy middle grade novels. What I find difficult in any genre are examples of kids being hurt. And I especially dislike Dickensian type stories. Heaps upon heaps upon heaps of suffering, to the point of being ridiculous and overwrought. Not fun. I bet there were fun, admirable, edifying parts later on, but I had to scale an absolute mountain of negativity before I could even get there, and it's just not worth it.
*Upside: my unwillingness to suffer through bad writing or incompatible story experiences means I'm blazing through my gargantuan TBR. Yay!
Dang it, seems I'm becoming the DNF Queen.* After a rash of DNF's last week, I have enjoyed several since, and completed two absolutely brilliant books just yesterday. The curse was seemingly lifted! But no...
In brief. Dave is a sweet, rambunctious little kid. We meet him immediately before he experiences devastating loss. His father dies; at the wake his stepmother announces to the family that she can't keep him or his brother; his brother is taken by an uncle while Dave himself ends up dropped off at an orphanage. The people running the orphanage are scary, imposing men. His classmates are bright little jewels a friendliness, which is then immediately overshadowed by older classmates who are dreadful bullies. I was already reaching to stop the audiobook when I hear that Dave is furiously spitting into his food to prevent the older boy from stealing the very meager portion, to no avail (YUCK).
I quite enjoy middle grade novels. What I find difficult in any genre are examples of kids being hurt. And I especially dislike Dickensian type stories. Heaps upon heaps upon heaps of suffering, to the point of being ridiculous and overwrought. Not fun. I bet there were fun, admirable, edifying parts later on, but I had to scale an absolute mountain of negativity before I could even get there, and it's just not worth it.
*Upside: my unwillingness to suffer through bad writing or incompatible story experiences means I'm blazing through my gargantuan TBR. Yay!
September 9, 2022
Nice book. As an adult, I thought I would be bored maybe while reading a book that is often recommended for children and teens, but nope. On the contrary, I felt it was very nice and sweet. Dave is kind of a rascal, and people tend to think and immediately assume the worst out of active and curious children such as Dave. Yes, he misbehaves sometimes, but I don't believe in
*Spoiler alert*
beating up children almost to the death! what kind of places would accept that? Unless, of course, they despised children or something like that, which I suspect is Mr. Doom's case, the cruel master of HHB.
I felt for Dave and the other elevens but I was glad to see that even though their existence seemed miserable, there were some good people out there; they managed to improve their situation thanks to these people, and hopefully, they found each their happy endings.
It is a sweet book and I'm glad I read it because it has been sitting on my bookshelf for years! I might donate it though because I feel like someone else could enjoy it just as much as I did.
*Spoiler alert*
beating up children almost to the death! what kind of places would accept that? Unless, of course, they despised children or something like that, which I suspect is Mr. Doom's case, the cruel master of HHB.
I felt for Dave and the other elevens but I was glad to see that even though their existence seemed miserable, there were some good people out there; they managed to improve their situation thanks to these people, and hopefully, they found each their happy endings.
It is a sweet book and I'm glad I read it because it has been sitting on my bookshelf for years! I might donate it though because I feel like someone else could enjoy it just as much as I did.
July 1, 2019
Adult rating: 4 stars
Kid rating 2 stars
After David's papa dies, his stepmother wants nothing to do with raising kids. His brother gets to go live with an uncle, but David is sent to the Hebrew Home for Boys. There's a cruel headmaster, bullies and a rag tag group of roommates at the orphanage. Dave sneaks out one night and finds himself at a rent party with a fortune telling con artist. He finds himself sneaking out again and again to hang out with Solly and the Harlem art crowd. It's set during the Great Depression and Harlem Renaissance.
While this book is well-written and covers a topic I have not seen before in middle grade fiction, it doesn't have the appeal of Ella Enchanted. When kids read historical fiction, they want the big events like the Holocaust or Civil Rights. Jewish kids might be inclined to read it. All the characters are great. I love the orphans and Solly, the amicable con artist.
Kid rating 2 stars
After David's papa dies, his stepmother wants nothing to do with raising kids. His brother gets to go live with an uncle, but David is sent to the Hebrew Home for Boys. There's a cruel headmaster, bullies and a rag tag group of roommates at the orphanage. Dave sneaks out one night and finds himself at a rent party with a fortune telling con artist. He finds himself sneaking out again and again to hang out with Solly and the Harlem art crowd. It's set during the Great Depression and Harlem Renaissance.
While this book is well-written and covers a topic I have not seen before in middle grade fiction, it doesn't have the appeal of Ella Enchanted. When kids read historical fiction, they want the big events like the Holocaust or Civil Rights. Jewish kids might be inclined to read it. All the characters are great. I love the orphans and Solly, the amicable con artist.
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