It was the last place anyone should have called Home, the last place for kids to live — The year is 1926. Dave's beloved father is dead and his stepmother doesn't want him. Only the HHB will take him in—Hebrew Home for Boys — Hell Hold for Brats. But Dave is tough and a troublemaker. He can take care of himself. If he doesn't like the Home, he'll run away and find a better place. Only it's not that simple...
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"I liked 'Dave at Night' a lot. it was very different in tone and plot than some of Ms. Levine's other stories, so it was a neat surprise. Of course, it is a sad book because it's about orphans and orphanages; maybe for some of the older readers?"
— Noelle (4 out of 5 stars)
" A wonderful, moving story, and a great piece of historical fiction. "
— Hpboy13, 2/9/2014" A great book about family and friends. It was great to get to know Dave, and just what a rascal he is. "
— Sol, 2/2/2014" I pressed my 11 year old to read this because I'd like to encourage him to branch out and read books about real people instead of just fantasy characters. I asked him to read 30 pages to see if he liked it. I like to walk it like I talk it, so I started reading. I really like the protagonist's voice and sense of humor. Dave reminds me of my son, but my son still hasn't picked up the book! "
— Carol, 2/1/2014" Very cute story! I love the relationships in the book and at times your heart felt like it would break from saddness, and yet he seemed to bounce back from the hardships in his life. It was fun to know that it was based on a true story. "
— Jamie, 1/25/2014" Global Reading Challenge book for Concord School. "
— Mickey, 1/25/2014" Children's Lit historical fiction. Fun and funny, yet painfully human way, to look at the Harlem Renassaince through the eyes of an orphaned Jewish boy. "
— Deanna, 1/10/2014" it was a good read but hum kind of slow gowing "
— Kate, 1/10/2014" Great ending, no more beatings for the elevens. "
— Logan, 1/1/2014" this was a great book. kept the girls attention through. "
— Kesch, 11/20/2013" a good read, but hardly inspiring or original. not as good as her fantasy tales. "
— Christine, 11/16/2013" This is another book we listened to on CD while traveling. (It's the only way I can sanely drive long distances.)I enjoyed this story about a boy who must make the decision between making the best of a bad situation and escaping from it. "
— Tanya, 11/12/2013" A story about an orphaned boy who was a bit mischevious. His older brother got placed with family when his dad died, but Dave got into too much trouble, so he was placed in a home. This is a story about his experience in the home. "
— Margie, 11/12/2013" Off-beat story of Harlem Renaissance. More interesting to adults than YAs. "
— Laura, 11/5/2013" This is a story about a boy who is sent to an orphanage when his father dies. It wasn't bad but I like some on Levine's other books better. "
— Naomi, 10/6/2013" the book is SUPER BORING! "
— Sruthi, 9/20/2013" 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. "
— MaryBliss, 4/23/2013" This book was different than I expected. It was a good, clean read. I think young teens, especially boys would like it. I listened to the audio CDs. I really liked the narrator's voice. "
— Angie, 12/14/2012" I read this a long time ago, but I'd really like to read it again since I don't recall the plot. "
— Laura, 7/19/2012" Really cute, sweet story. "
— Eliana, 6/16/2012" A good balance of history and realistic adventure. "
— Lia, 3/12/2012" Lot's of Adventure, but not good if you don't like violence "
— Julia, 3/12/2012" Quite different than her other books. Her story telling is quite engaging, and the fact that it was semi-biographical made it so endearing. "
— Sally, 11/2/2011" What a character Dave is in this book. He has such spunk. His great attitude reminds me of my grandson Terrell. All full of vim and vinegar. He could find the good in something so bad. "
— Janet, 10/27/2011" Very mature subject matter. Insightful. "
— Kate, 5/16/2011" Really cute, sweet story. "
— Eliana, 3/21/2011" Off-beat story of Harlem Renaissance. More interesting to adults than YAs. "
— Laura, 2/9/2011" Enjoyed this book. Although it was fiction, looked at the Renaissance in Harlem in the 1920's and an all boys orphange. Also good story telling.<br/> "
— Ereksonkate, 12/31/2010" I love this book. Levine does a great job of evoking a sense of place and time. And, the recorded books reader is amazing! "
— Relyn, 11/27/2010" My favorite part of this tale was the author's note - it was interesting to hear that she based the story on her father's life. (Not that the story was not well-written, it was...it's just that I kike to read about the author's frame of reference.) "
— Cookie, 9/24/2010" Very cute story! I love the relationships in the book and at times your heart felt like it would break from saddness, and yet he seemed to bounce back from the hardships in his life. It was fun to know that it was based on a true story. "
— Jamie, 9/22/2010" I really liked it. It was a well told story... loved the lovable characters, and hated the mean characters. :) "
— Becky, 8/26/2010" Wanted to try another Levine. This was interesting b/c it was a departure from the fantasy/fairytale typs of stories that she usually writes. It was interesting and sad to read the story of an orphan in the 20s. Some fascinating characters. But, it wasn't a book that I fell in love with. "
— Shell, 7/18/2010Gail Carson Levine is an author of bestselling fiction and nonfiction for young adults. Her first book for children, Ella Enchanted, won a Newbery Honor. Fairest was a Best Book of the Year for Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, and Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults. She is also the author of two nonfiction books on writing, as well as the picture books.
Jason Harris is a multitalented actor and voice-over artist. He’s narrated numerous audio books, including Dave at Night by Gail Carson Levine, Breaking Point by Alex Flinn, and Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson.