46 pages • 1 hour read
A Night Divided
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Berlin, Germany • 1960s
2015
Middle grade
9-12 years
Super Short Summary
A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen dramatizes the impact of post-WWII Germany's division, showcasing family separation and the authoritarian regime’s strain on relationships through the eyes of young Gerta. When the Berlin Wall goes up overnight, Gerta's family is torn apart, sparking her and her brother's daring plan to reunite with their missing father and brother by tunneling under the wall. The book includes graphic depictions of violence.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Emotional
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
46,251 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jennifer A. Nielsen's A Night Divided is praised for its gripping depiction of a family's struggle in divided Berlin. Readers appreciate the historical context and well-drawn characters. Criticisms include occasional predictability and a simplistic narrative style. Overall, it's considered an engaging read for middle-grade audiences with educational value.
Who Should Read A Night Divided?
A reader who enjoys gripping historical fiction with strong, young protagonists, much like those in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, would appreciate A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen. This novel blends adventure and history, perfect for middle-grade readers interested in the Berlin Wall era.
46,251 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Berlin, Germany • 1960s
2015
Middle grade
9-12 years
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