A Night Divided (Scholastic Gold) Hardcover – August 25, 2015

I’ve had this historical fiction books on my list to read for quite a while, and don’t remember where the recommendation came from. I didn’t even realize until I was reading the book that it was written for a younger reader. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. A story set during the first years of the Berlin Wall about a family separated by its borders and their efforts to reunite, it makes a great living history book. It was gripping and suspenseful, and I couldn’t put it down until it was over. I have been thus far unfamiliar with this author, but reading this book has piqued my interest in seeing what else she has written. She paints a vivid picture of the bleakness of post-war East Germany and communism. I also loved that this is a book I can share without reservation with my kids, as I think it will be equally as interesting to them, as well as age appropriate. It gives the sad reality of the time without delving into too much darkness, and I appreciated the multi-dimensional characters. The “bad guys” weren’t simply evil, nor were the “good guys” without flaws. There was a loving and supportive sibling relationship that was inspiring. Each chapter started with a relevant quote from German philosophers, historians, political leaders, poets, and more.As someone who was a teenager when the Berlin Wall came down, the story made an impact as it described living through the wall going up and living with what created a divide even in families.

This was a great read by Jennifer Nielson. I was sucked in from beginning to end. The story centers around the Berlin Wall that was erected in 1961 to divide Germany into East and West. The wall went up overnight and many families were divided. There were actual people killed in escape attempts from the East to the West during this time. This story is a fictional story about a family that was divided that night. Eight-year old Gerta, her mother, and her brother wake up one morning with a wall outside their apartment. Gerta's father and her older brother had left Berlin a few days prior on business and now were not able to cross back to their family on the East side. It was a time when neighbors spied on neighbors, friends and family turned on each other. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time could be deadly. Gerta's father had been involved as a freedom activist and therefore their apartment was bugged. Gerta's family had been separated for four years when she devises an escape plan. The story was suspenseful and really kept me on the edge of my seat. One day Gerta had a normal life and in an instant her family was split apart.It is a story of sacrifices, kindness, friendship, determination, and bravery. It shows the importance of family and surviving dark times. As a young girl I knew about the division of Germany and the Berlin Wall. My mother was German and in my youth, I would help my mother address Christmas card envelopes. I specifically remember writing 'West Germany' as the address to her family instead of just 'Germany.' Beautifully written and recommend!

One of the things that I especially enjoy about Jennifer Nielsen's books is how quickly she gets into the action. Not only do I enjoy that, but so do young readers, especially middle grade readers. If a book isn't interesting right off the bat, a lot of students won't stick with it. While this book is historical fiction, a genre that many middle grade readers aren't very interested in, it doesn't read like a boring history book at all. In fact it reads more like a thriller.One morning Gerta wakes up to discover a wall shutting her off from her father and brother. She's left in East Berlin with her mother and her older brother, Fritz. Four years later, Gerta still can't help staring at the wall and thinking about what's on the other side. And seeing her brother and then her father for the first time in four years is exciting but also dangerous when a East German soldier spots her doing it. It's also baffling. Gerta's father is dancing? Eventually Gerta figures out what her father is trying to tell her and finds the perfect place to build a tunnel. But is it worth the risk? After Gerta's friend's brother is killed trying to escape, Gerta isn't so sure. Until it becomes clear that her family has been marked by the Stasi, the East German Secret Police, and have very little to look forward to in the future. With her brother's help, Gerta works to build the tunnel. But with so many eyes on them, is it even possible to get the tunnel built? And even if they build the tunnel, they have little time remaining before Fritz must report to the military to serve. Can they keep their secret long enough to escape? And will their mother come with them if they do?Nielsen's written a real page-turner. I couldn't wait to find out how things turned out for Gerta and her family. Not only is this an exciting book to read but it's also eye-opening in the historical details it provides about living behind the Berlin Wall. Another great book from one of my favorite authors.