Book details
A Night Divided (Scholastic Gold)
Description
A stunning thriller from the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of ICEBERG, Jennifer A. Nielsen, about a girl who must escape to freedom after the Berlin Wall divides her family between east and west.A Night Divided joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!With the rise of the Berlin Wall, Gerta finds her family suddenly divided. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.But one day on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Gerta concludes that her father wants her and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?Follow New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen on this nonstop, intrigue-filled adventure!
Age
10-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
352 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: 'A Night Divided' offers a gripping portrayal of life in East Berlin following the rise of the Berlin Wall, providing readers with a deeper understanding of this significant period in history through the eyes of a young protagonist.
- Emotional Connection: The story's focus on a family torn apart by political borders allows readers to emotionally connect with the characters and experience the human side of historical events, fostering empathy and a personal connection to the narrative.
- Suspenseful Plot: Jennifer A. Nielsen crafts a suspenseful and thrilling plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to find out if the protagonist, Gerta, will succeed in her daring plan to reunite with her family.
- Themes of Courage and Resilience: The book explores universal themes such as courage, resilience, and the quest for freedom, inspiring readers to reflect on their own values and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.