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Tonight, by Sea
Seek life. Chache Lavi. That's what Paulie's uncle says they must do. But to seek life, Paulie and her family have to leave Haiti-the only home that Paulie has ever known. Since forever, Paulie has run in and out of the little houses nestled under the palms, smelling cocoa-bread and playing on the beach with her best friend Karyl. But now the little houses are gone. Their wood has been made into boats-boats used to escape Haiti.
Paulie wants to stay and fight-to change Haiti into a better place to live. She wants to talk to the reporters and bravely tell the truth, like Karyl's brother, Jean-Desir. But the macoutes come with their guns and knives to stop them. And they do something so terrible that Paulie must face the truth: before the soldiers come back, they must all leave-tonight, by sea.
Paulie wants to stay and fight-to change Haiti into a better place to live. She wants to talk to the reporters and bravely tell the truth, like Karyl's brother, Jean-Desir. But the macoutes come with their guns and knives to stop them. And they do something so terrible that Paulie must face the truth: before the soldiers come back, they must all leave-tonight, by sea.
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1995
3 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Frances Temple
9 books17 followersFrances Temple grew up in Virginia, France, and Vietnam. About her third book she wrote, "The Ramsay Scallop is about our need for adventure and motion, for throwing in with strangers, trusting and listening. The story began to take form in northern Spain along pilgrim trails; was fed by histories, stories, letters, by the testimony of a fourteenthcentury shepherd, by the thoughts of today's pilgrims. Concerns echo across years-clean water, good talk, risks welcomed, the search for a peaceful heart. Traveling in Elenor's shoes, I found out how strongly the tradition of pilgrimage continues." Ms. Temple received many honors during her distinguished career. Her other critically acclaimed books for young people include: France Taste of Salt A Story of Modern Haiti, winner of the 1993 Jane Addams Children's Book Award; Grab hands and Run, cited by School Library journal as one of the Best Books of 1993; and Tonight, by Sea another novel set in Haiti.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 23, 2010
Snapshot: Tonight, by Sea is a work of realistic fiction that explores the difficulties of coming of age amidst the turmoil of emigration from Haiti and its political and economic crises in the early 1990s. The book is set in the small beach town of Belle Fleuve, Haiti, about 60 miles from the capital of Port-au-Prince. The main character is Paulie, a young and curious girl who grows from self-world innocence and naiveté into experience and a common, but unique, Haitian identity.
“Hook”: Students of all kinds would be engaged in this story because of the international awareness of Haiti and its history following the recent earthquake. This event gives most students some background knowledge and understanding about the setting and the extreme poverty that exists there.
Challenges: Because it is a coming-of age story, Tonight, by Sea can be appreciated on multiple levels, but knowing the history of Haiti and colonialism in Africa is something that makes the reading of this much richer. The content may also be difficult for some students to interact with (murder, death, poverty, military coups and illegal rule, etc.), but the story’s overall message is one of hope and renewal. The author uses Haitian-Creole often, but it is not a challenge because she translates all of her characters’ utterances into English (they essentially repeat themselves in English after the Creole). The book is narrated by a third party and because all of the characters speak in English, but with a Haitian-Creole accent, the narrative affords authenticity and some added sense of immersion into the culture. The author does provide text features (a map, a Haitian-Creole glossary, a 2.5-page historical summary) to guide the reader into understanding the historical and socio-political context of the story.
Student in mind: I’d recommend this book to ESL students because there are text features and short chapters. I’d recommend this book to Haitian/Caribbean immigrants and refugees because the context, language and culture will be relatable and recognizable. I’d also recommend this book to any student interested in history, international politics and government.
Conference notes: Why is Jean-Desir attracted to the macoutes (FRAPH) even when his family warns him of their evil? Why does the macoutes eventually kill Jean-Desir? Did Jean-Desir know his fate when he refused to fix the soldier’s tire? Why does Paulie travel to the city to see the journalist? What is the significance of Uncle, a coffin maker by trade, also building the boat? Why does the family have to leave Bell Fleuve so suddenly? Why do the people name the boat “Seek Life”? Do you think Paulie’s family stays in Miami? What has happened in Haiti since the conflict in the 90s? What did Bill Clinton do for Haiti and what is his role at the end of the story?
Level: 8-11
“Hook”: Students of all kinds would be engaged in this story because of the international awareness of Haiti and its history following the recent earthquake. This event gives most students some background knowledge and understanding about the setting and the extreme poverty that exists there.
Challenges: Because it is a coming-of age story, Tonight, by Sea can be appreciated on multiple levels, but knowing the history of Haiti and colonialism in Africa is something that makes the reading of this much richer. The content may also be difficult for some students to interact with (murder, death, poverty, military coups and illegal rule, etc.), but the story’s overall message is one of hope and renewal. The author uses Haitian-Creole often, but it is not a challenge because she translates all of her characters’ utterances into English (they essentially repeat themselves in English after the Creole). The book is narrated by a third party and because all of the characters speak in English, but with a Haitian-Creole accent, the narrative affords authenticity and some added sense of immersion into the culture. The author does provide text features (a map, a Haitian-Creole glossary, a 2.5-page historical summary) to guide the reader into understanding the historical and socio-political context of the story.
Student in mind: I’d recommend this book to ESL students because there are text features and short chapters. I’d recommend this book to Haitian/Caribbean immigrants and refugees because the context, language and culture will be relatable and recognizable. I’d also recommend this book to any student interested in history, international politics and government.
Conference notes: Why is Jean-Desir attracted to the macoutes (FRAPH) even when his family warns him of their evil? Why does the macoutes eventually kill Jean-Desir? Did Jean-Desir know his fate when he refused to fix the soldier’s tire? Why does Paulie travel to the city to see the journalist? What is the significance of Uncle, a coffin maker by trade, also building the boat? Why does the family have to leave Bell Fleuve so suddenly? Why do the people name the boat “Seek Life”? Do you think Paulie’s family stays in Miami? What has happened in Haiti since the conflict in the 90s? What did Bill Clinton do for Haiti and what is his role at the end of the story?
Level: 8-11
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2008
Paulie is a young girl living in Haiti circa 1993, a time when the country has been tossed into a familiar situation of repressive rule after electing populist priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide to presidency in the first free elections in the country. Arisitide lasted a whole eight months before being ousted by the Haitian ruling class with assistance from the US government.
Temple poetically weaves the politics, language, food, religion and values of the time into a narrative that powerfully invokes the tension of the time. People are on one hand rich in dignity, history, hope andsolidarity while being stripped of their livelihoods and sense of security by a brutal military force.
For many, the brutality and hardship leads to a search for life elsewhere. Paulie's parents had made it across the ocean to Miami when she was younger and now it is Paulie's turn. Her uncle quietly crafts a boat to take himself, his niece and others away from their home in Belle Fleuve and to a new life in the United States.
During both the adventure of preparing their journey without the knowledge of government thugs and their trek through the ocean Paulie brings out discussions and musings of this country's complex identity with freedom, slavery, justice and homeland with the wisdom of childhood.
I loved the book and am really enjoying the discussions it sparks with my students. I definitely recommend it for both younger readers (strong readers in 4th Grade and up) and us older folks.
Temple poetically weaves the politics, language, food, religion and values of the time into a narrative that powerfully invokes the tension of the time. People are on one hand rich in dignity, history, hope andsolidarity while being stripped of their livelihoods and sense of security by a brutal military force.
For many, the brutality and hardship leads to a search for life elsewhere. Paulie's parents had made it across the ocean to Miami when she was younger and now it is Paulie's turn. Her uncle quietly crafts a boat to take himself, his niece and others away from their home in Belle Fleuve and to a new life in the United States.
During both the adventure of preparing their journey without the knowledge of government thugs and their trek through the ocean Paulie brings out discussions and musings of this country's complex identity with freedom, slavery, justice and homeland with the wisdom of childhood.
I loved the book and am really enjoying the discussions it sparks with my students. I definitely recommend it for both younger readers (strong readers in 4th Grade and up) and us older folks.
February 2, 2012
For anyone who wants to imagine themselves living a simple life with tropical surroundings, the sea and the shore for a backyard, food cooked over a fire, good friends and close family nearby, this is a story they would enjoy. However, there is a definite caveat to this description: extreme poverty, political oppression, the loss of loved ones and the desperate attempt to escape to a new world of promise.
Temple is nigh romantic in her depictions of the beauty of Haitian life for a young girl named Paulie. However, she is not afraid to then turn graphically dark in her descriptions of hunger, fear, and the feelings running through Paulie's head as she surveys the body of her friend who had been drug to death for speaking out against oppression and defending himself. For anyone who ever wondered why a family would risk life and limb to cross ocean water in a rickety boat, this book may answer some of their questions.
However, I would be remiss if I did not mention some obvious biases in the story. The dialogue between Paulie and her family and friends often has stark socialist ideals, while nothing is said of the fact that their journey to Miami is, in fact, illegal (and nothing is mentioned of the further implications of said illegal act on the society they are entering).
Despite this, the story is a treasure of insight into the beautiful Haitian culture, humanity and strength, as well as the plight of a desperate people: desperate for a future, for freedom, and for life.
Temple is nigh romantic in her depictions of the beauty of Haitian life for a young girl named Paulie. However, she is not afraid to then turn graphically dark in her descriptions of hunger, fear, and the feelings running through Paulie's head as she surveys the body of her friend who had been drug to death for speaking out against oppression and defending himself. For anyone who ever wondered why a family would risk life and limb to cross ocean water in a rickety boat, this book may answer some of their questions.
However, I would be remiss if I did not mention some obvious biases in the story. The dialogue between Paulie and her family and friends often has stark socialist ideals, while nothing is said of the fact that their journey to Miami is, in fact, illegal (and nothing is mentioned of the further implications of said illegal act on the society they are entering).
Despite this, the story is a treasure of insight into the beautiful Haitian culture, humanity and strength, as well as the plight of a desperate people: desperate for a future, for freedom, and for life.
November 13, 2012
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.2
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: America's Award
Characters: Paulie, Karyl, Jean-Desir
Setting: The story takes place it Haiti.
POV: The story is told in Paulie’s point of view.
Paulie and her family must leave Haiti. Paulie describes all of her favorite childhood memories like running in and out of little houses, playing on the beach, and smelling cocoa bread. The little houses she once ran through are now boats that will be used to escape Haiti. Suddenly, her friend Jean-Desir is killed and now Paulie thinks it is time to take matters into her own hands. She wants to stay in Haiti and fight. However, there is no other choice than to leave by sea in the boats her uncle made.
I would use this book in a sixth grade classroom because there are so many issues, themes, and topics brought into the book, such as, refugees, freedom, Haiti, oppression, death, and courage. This would be a great book to discuss with the class about Haiti government, social justice, and oppression. Some themes in the book are character and values, friends and friendship, Haiti government, and oppression.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: America's Award
Characters: Paulie, Karyl, Jean-Desir
Setting: The story takes place it Haiti.
POV: The story is told in Paulie’s point of view.
Paulie and her family must leave Haiti. Paulie describes all of her favorite childhood memories like running in and out of little houses, playing on the beach, and smelling cocoa bread. The little houses she once ran through are now boats that will be used to escape Haiti. Suddenly, her friend Jean-Desir is killed and now Paulie thinks it is time to take matters into her own hands. She wants to stay in Haiti and fight. However, there is no other choice than to leave by sea in the boats her uncle made.
I would use this book in a sixth grade classroom because there are so many issues, themes, and topics brought into the book, such as, refugees, freedom, Haiti, oppression, death, and courage. This would be a great book to discuss with the class about Haiti government, social justice, and oppression. Some themes in the book are character and values, friends and friendship, Haiti government, and oppression.
September 2, 2009
Set in 1994 after Aristide's ouster, when the army and macoutes terrorized the people. Kreyol (creole) is mixed in throughout; many words are defined in the text, but there is also a glossary at the end.
While it's a short book and the main character is probably about 10-12 years old, the issues raised are complex enough and the language lyrical enough that I think it could engage a middle-schooler. E.g. what does the idea of Africa mean to folks of African descent--is Africa home in any sense? Is violence acceptable in resisting those who would do violence to you and yours? Is working without a living wage equivalent to slavery? Is it okay to break laws in order to find work, food, or safety for your family?
Readers see Paulie struggling to understand all of it too, half-wanting to see, half-wanting to leave it to the grown-ups. Temple brings to life Paulie's close relationships with her family, friends, and neighbors, but there's so much else going on in this book that it's hard to say it's a 'character' novel.
While it's a short book and the main character is probably about 10-12 years old, the issues raised are complex enough and the language lyrical enough that I think it could engage a middle-schooler. E.g. what does the idea of Africa mean to folks of African descent--is Africa home in any sense? Is violence acceptable in resisting those who would do violence to you and yours? Is working without a living wage equivalent to slavery? Is it okay to break laws in order to find work, food, or safety for your family?
Readers see Paulie struggling to understand all of it too, half-wanting to see, half-wanting to leave it to the grown-ups. Temple brings to life Paulie's close relationships with her family, friends, and neighbors, but there's so much else going on in this book that it's hard to say it's a 'character' novel.
November 15, 2012
Grades:6th
Genre:Historical Fiction
Characters: Paulie, Karyl, Jean-Desir
Setting: The story takes place it Haiti.
POV: The story is told in Paulie’s point of view.
Paulie and her family must leave Haiti. Paulie describes all of her favorite childhood memories like running in and out of little houses, playing on the beach, and smelling cocoa bread. The little houses she once ran through are now boats that will be used to escape Haiti. Suddenly, her friend Jean-Desir is killed and now Paulie thinks it is time to take matters into her own hands. She wants to stay in Haiti and fight. However, there is no other choice than to leave by sea.
I would use this book in a sixth grade classroom because there are so many issues, themes, and topics brought into the book, such as, refugees, freedom, Haiti, oppression, death, and courage. This would be a great book to discuss with the class about Haiti government, social justice, and oppression.Great book to introduce different cultures and races.
Genre:Historical Fiction
Characters: Paulie, Karyl, Jean-Desir
Setting: The story takes place it Haiti.
POV: The story is told in Paulie’s point of view.
Paulie and her family must leave Haiti. Paulie describes all of her favorite childhood memories like running in and out of little houses, playing on the beach, and smelling cocoa bread. The little houses she once ran through are now boats that will be used to escape Haiti. Suddenly, her friend Jean-Desir is killed and now Paulie thinks it is time to take matters into her own hands. She wants to stay in Haiti and fight. However, there is no other choice than to leave by sea.
I would use this book in a sixth grade classroom because there are so many issues, themes, and topics brought into the book, such as, refugees, freedom, Haiti, oppression, death, and courage. This would be a great book to discuss with the class about Haiti government, social justice, and oppression.Great book to introduce different cultures and races.
November 20, 2012
Grade level: 6th
Lexile: 750
Main Character: Paulie, Uncle, Jean Desir
Setting: Haiti
POV: Third Person
Genre: Historical Fiction
-Summary: Paulie is a young girl living with her family on the coasts of a small town in Haiti. The country is suffering from hunger, poverty, and an overthrown government. Paulie’s uncle chooses to move his family away from their troubles and wants to leave to America. However, the only way that this is possible is to escape at night with a wooden boat. Paulie is torn by this decision because she wants to fix her beloved country rather than escape it. This story chronicles the very real story of this young girl’s family and their journey to save themselves from the tyranny that they call home.
I would use this book in my classroom because it is so realistic and relatable. This story chronicles true situations that people all around the world can relate to. It is important to incorporate this into curriculum to expand cultural knowledge.
Lexile: 750
Main Character: Paulie, Uncle, Jean Desir
Setting: Haiti
POV: Third Person
Genre: Historical Fiction
-Summary: Paulie is a young girl living with her family on the coasts of a small town in Haiti. The country is suffering from hunger, poverty, and an overthrown government. Paulie’s uncle chooses to move his family away from their troubles and wants to leave to America. However, the only way that this is possible is to escape at night with a wooden boat. Paulie is torn by this decision because she wants to fix her beloved country rather than escape it. This story chronicles the very real story of this young girl’s family and their journey to save themselves from the tyranny that they call home.
I would use this book in my classroom because it is so realistic and relatable. This story chronicles true situations that people all around the world can relate to. It is important to incorporate this into curriculum to expand cultural knowledge.
November 21, 2012
Main character: Paulie, Grann, Uncle
POV: Paulie
Setting: Haiti
Lexile: 750L
Age group: Upper Elementary
genre: Multicultural literature
Summary: Paulie does not want to leave Haiti, the only home she has ever known, but the macoutes are threatening her family and the village Belle Flueve with guns and knives. This compelling and informative story about a family’s dramatic escape from Haiti by sea also shows the political and economic issues involved. Paulie lives in Haiti with her Grann and her uncle, the village coffin maker who has turned his skills to boat building to escape the brutality and starvation that has taken over his homeland.
Classroom use: I would use this story as a supplement to the broader topic of multicultural literature and different aspects of what people in different areas of the world may be going through.
POV: Paulie
Setting: Haiti
Lexile: 750L
Age group: Upper Elementary
genre: Multicultural literature
Summary: Paulie does not want to leave Haiti, the only home she has ever known, but the macoutes are threatening her family and the village Belle Flueve with guns and knives. This compelling and informative story about a family’s dramatic escape from Haiti by sea also shows the political and economic issues involved. Paulie lives in Haiti with her Grann and her uncle, the village coffin maker who has turned his skills to boat building to escape the brutality and starvation that has taken over his homeland.
Classroom use: I would use this story as a supplement to the broader topic of multicultural literature and different aspects of what people in different areas of the world may be going through.
February 1, 2016
This is one of the books I'm pondering as a whole class novel for Last Trimester.
Set in the 90's it is about a Haitian community who want to find a better life than they are currently living.
Set in the 90's it is about a Haitian community who want to find a better life than they are currently living.
March 20, 2008
This book is good. Very sad, and a little bit hard to get into. But, it became very intriguing towards the end!
November 27, 2010
Escape from Haiti.
Want to read
September 15, 2015Américas Award 1995
July 3, 2024
~ Set in Haiti.
September 8, 2007
Teens escape from Haiti by boat. Not as good as Taste of Salt.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews