A Night Divided Review

A Night Divided 

by Jennifer Nielsen

One of the perks of being a tutor is reading new books that my students or their teachers have chosen. Thus, I was introduced to “A Night Divided,” an exciting, historical, middle grade novel by Jennifer Nielsen. This book totally lives up to the high reviews it has received.

It’s a tense thriller and makes the history of the Cold War period come alive. The book depicts the struggles and day to day life of twelve year old Gerta, her older brother Fritz, and their mother as they deal with the Berlin Wall that separates them from their brother and father.With the "Stasi" ready to shoot at anyone who attempts to escape. And neighbors who spy on neighbors, how will the family make it to the other side? Gerta sees her father across the divide and his pantomime gives her a daring escape plan.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish—many late nights attest to the need to move from one scene to the next, to the final exciting climax. In reading about author, Jennifer Nielsen, I found out that true events of a family being separated by the Berlin Wall and their escape to West Berlin inspired the story. 

Highly recommended for middle grade students. Warning: there is some violence and death but otherwise totally appropriate for ages 10+.

Information about author Jennifer Nielsen and her other middle grade books is at: http://jennielsen.com/

Reviewed by:

Penelope Anne Cole

Tri-Valley Writers Conference 2017 Prose Award

San Mateo County Fair Short Story Award 2017

Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew, Magical Mea,
Magical Mea Goes to School, Magical Max and Magical Mickey, and

Magical Max and Magical Mickey’s Big Surprise

In and Out, All ‘Round About – Opposite Friends

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