A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

 

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Historical Fiction, Adventure

Age – 10-13

Grade – 5-8

336 pages, hardcover

c. 2015

           A Night Divided, set in Berlin in 1961, is the story of then 8 year- old Gerta and her family waking up to find a barbed wired wall dividing their city. Her father and older brother Dominic are on the other side of the wall and cannot come back. Most of the story occurs four years later when Gerta, now 12, notices her father on the viewing platform of the wall making motions from an old song he used to sing to her involving digging. She concludes that he is asking her and her brother Fritz to tunnel under the wall.

            Attempting to escape Soviet controlled East Germany is extremely dangerous. Her best friend’s brother had tried to escape in the trunk of a car but was found and killed at the border. Now the whole family was under suspicion and being closely watched. Gerta’s mother has not the courage to do this and even her brother Fritz thinks her idea is crazy. However, Gerta is more like her father, who was involved in the resistance, and is determined to try. Eventually her brother joins her in this nearly impossible effort.  

            Nielsen does an excellent job of portraying the fear and resignation of many of the East Germans. Anyone could be a spy and trusting the wrong person could have disastrous results. Gerta and Fritz realize after a while that their apartment is bugged. Because of their father’s past political activity their family is being watched. To make matters worse it is almost time for Fritz to report for mandatory military duty. Tension continues to build throughout the story and since Gerta is the narrator the reader is drawn right into the action.

            This is a story about courage, perseverance, and the will to survive but it also a story of strong family dynamics. Even when they disagree about things, they are fiercely loyal to one another. Their mother is very against any attempt to try and escape to the west but when she realizes what Gerta and Fritz have accomplished she joins wholeheartedly in the effort. When Gerta or Fritz are exhausted, discouraged, or fearful the other one is there to support, encourage or do some of their work. Their love for one another is evident throughout the story and so is their desire to help their friends. In the end their hope, courage, and determination inspire others. In detailing a lesser known period of history, A Night Divided is also a story of true friendship, kindness, generosity, sacrifice, and regrets

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Realistic Fiction, War and Peace, Pets, Fathers and Sons, Perserverance
Age 10-13
Grade 5-8
 288 pages
c. 2016

Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have been very close since the time Peter found him as a baby. Peter is a sensitive boy, unlike his father, who has enlisted in the war that is going on and requires Peter to move into his grandfather’s house and leave Pax behind. This is devastating news to Peter and although he goes the many miles away to his grandfather’s house, he quickly decides he must go back and rescue Pax, who doesn’t know how to survive in the wild.

            Chapters alternate between Peter’s point of view and Pax, who is learning how to survive in the wild but also hoping that Peter will return for him. Both Peter and Pax have many adventures, trials and help as Peter makes the 300 mile journey back to Pax. Much has happened to both of them during this time. Peter has grown into a confident young man and Pax has become part of a new family of foxes. Spoiler Alert: Peter decides it is better for Pax to remain where he is but takes home with him the young fox that lost his back legs from a land mine.

            The violence and ugliness of war is clearly shown but not in a graphic way. There is sadness but also hope. It is a thoughtful book that clearly shows the consequences of war but also the courage, determination, and sacrifice that can bring about peace.