Night Journeys is a surprisingly meaty and satisfying read for a relatively short and easy to read novel. The writing is excellent, as one would expect with a Newbery award winning author (Avi won 1 Newbery Award and 2 Newbery Honor Awards.) I liked the portrayal of Peter's change of heart after the fugitives became real people to him rather than just a means to get reward money and when he shoots at a girl and then feels remorse. I appreciated the quiet, behind the scenes wrestling of Mr. Shinn with his conscience and the humility and courage he showed in helping Peter help the fugitives and in confessing that he was wrong to the child.

I would, however, not have a child read this who has any trouble submitting to adult authority; it might feed that independent spirit that enjoys feeling that adults can be wrong while they (the child) are noble and right. Also, a family who did not believe it right to sometimes break the law for the sake of a higher law would not want their children to read this book.

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