A Night Divided — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A stunning thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Iceberg, Jennifer A. Nielsen, A Night Divided is 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!
Frequently asked questions
Is A Night Divided appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains descriptions of violence, including a man being shot and bleeding, which are significant to the plot set during the Cold War in Berlin. These moments are described as intense but are framed within the historical context of family separation and the struggle for freedom. The book contains suspenseful and potentially frightening elements related to the oppressive environment of East Berlin and the dangers faced by the characters in their quest for freedom. This may be intense for younger readers but is appropriate for the historical context.
Does A Night Divided have violence?
The book contains descriptions of violence, including a man being shot and bleeding, which are significant to the plot set during the Cold War in Berlin. These moments are described as intense but are framed within the historical context of family separation and the struggle for freedom.
Does A Night Divided have scary content?
The book contains suspenseful and potentially frightening elements related to the oppressive environment of East Berlin and the dangers faced by the characters in their quest for freedom. This may be intense for younger readers but is appropriate for the historical context.
Does A Night Divided have religious themes?
No religious content is present in the book itself. While the author is noted to be a practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this personal background does not influence the story's content.
Does A Night Divided have racial/cultural content?
Race is not a central theme in 'A Night Divided'. The story focuses on the political and social issues of the Berlin Wall rather than racial dynamics or themes.
Does A Night Divided have profanity?
No profanity is present in the book. The language used is appropriate for the target audience, focusing on the historical narrative rather than crude or inappropriate language.
Does A Night Divided have climate change?
There are no themes related to climate activism or environmentalism in 'A Night Divided'. The narrative is focused on historical events surrounding the Berlin Wall and personal freedom.
Does A Night Divided have sexual identity?
There is no explicit sexual content in the book. The narrative focuses on the historical and familial aspects of life in East Berlin, with no references to sexual themes or relationships.
Does A Night Divided have gender roles?
The book features a young female protagonist, Gerta, who takes an active role in her family's escape plan. However, it does not explicitly discuss or critique gender roles; rather, it portrays her as a determined individual in a historical context.
Does A Night Divided have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are present in the book 'A Night Divided'. The search results do not indicate any characters or themes related to LGBTQ+ identities within the narrative.
