Dave at Night
Dave is a newly orphaned boy who has just been sent to live in the Hebrew Home for Boys. He hates it there. The clothes are scratchy, the food is disgusting, his teacher is cranky, and the superintendent is violent. Despite the plague of a bully, he’s pleased to see the boys (buddies) all look out for one another. One night Dave ventures out and meets an old Yiddish Gonif who takes him along to a rent party. There, Dave finds a new friend, and brushes shoulders with several artists of the Harlem Renaissance.
We listened to the Recorded Books production of this book and were completely entranced. As soon as Johnny Heller’s voice came thru the speakers (he is the perfect narrator for Dave) ears perked and everyone hushed- it was magical! The story itself is entertaining, and the characters are solid. It’s been a long while since I’ve stumbled upon a story that was so heart-warming and amusing. Of course not all the book is funny – Dave has his share of misfortunes – one being a severe beating from “Mr. Doom”. But as is Dave’s way, he rolled with the punches and came out stronger as a result. Bravo to Ms. Levine for writing such a wonderful story! We absolutely loved it.
The author based the story on her father’s childhood experience in the Hebrew Orphan Asylum.
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