A Night Divided
Scholastic Gold Series
on Goodreads (44,324)
What’s inside...
With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old 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, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, 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, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and 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?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
323 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gerta Lowe
Anna
Fritz Lowe
Mama
Officer MüLler
Discussion points
How do you think Gerta felt living in East Berlin, separated from part of her family? What would you do in her situation?
What does the Berlin Wall represent in the story? How do you think walls, both physical and metaphorical, affect people and societies?
How do the characters in 'A Night Divided' show courage and resilience? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
What role does hope play in the book? How important is hope in overcoming challenges in your own life?
How does the author use suspense to build the story? Did it keep you engaged and wanting to read more?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a calm and comfortable atmosphere for the discussion, free from distractions to encourage open conversation.
Express genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings about the book, affirming their opinions to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Connect the story to your child's life by asking them to relate the characters' experiences to their own. This helps deepen their understanding of the themes.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the book, which can lead to further exploration of its themes and messages.
Use examples from the book to discuss broader life lessons, like the importance of family, courage, and perseverance in adversity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'A Night Divided', the protagonist, Gerta, demonstrates immense courage and resilience in her quest for freedom in a divided Berlin. Despite the physical and emotional barriers, she persists in her efforts to reunite with her family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with bravery and determination, understanding that obstacles are a part of life that can be overcome with persistence and courage.
Example Lesson: The value of family and unity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the strong bond between Gerta and her family drives her actions and decisions. Her unwavering commitment to her family highlights the strength that can be drawn from familial love and support.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of maintaining family relationships and supporting one another, reinforcing the concept that family unity can provide strength in challenging times.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Gerta faces numerous complex situations that require creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Her ability to strategize and navigate through various challenges is a key part of the plot.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to their own lives by learning to assess situations critically and explore various solutions to problems they encounter in school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical contexts
Explanation: Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall, the book provides historical insights through the personal experiences of the characters, making the historical events relatable and understandable.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to learn and show interest in history, understanding that it consists of real people's stories and experiences, which can teach valuable lessons applicable today.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As Gerta encounters different characters with varied backgrounds and beliefs, the narrative encourages understanding different viewpoints and cultivating empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity and understand different perspectives, enhancing their social skills and ability to interact respectfully with others.