Nielsen, Jennifer A. A Night Divided. 6 CDs. 7:12 hrs. Scholastic Audiobooks. 2015. $34.99. ISBN 9780545880794.

Gr 5-8 –This work follows the brave journey of 12-year-old Gerta and her older brother, Fritz, as they try to leave East Berlin. Gerta’s father escaped right before the Wall went up, but Gerta spots him across the Wall and deciphers his secret message that she is to dig her way through freedom. The novel graphically describes life in East Berlin and the terror and fear experienced by the average citizen. The suspense builds with each chapter. Additional characters who make the story come alive include the snooping neighbor; Gerta’s former best friend, Anna; and their lonely mother, who has to care for their aging grandmother. Kate Simses’s reading is fast-paced, emotionally charged, and exciting. Her voice is clear and age-appropriate for the characters depicted. VERDICT This excellent work of historical fiction is suspenseful, realistic, and enthralling. [“The novel’s strong setting and tense climax will keep readers engrossed and holding their breath until the last page”: SLJ 7/15 review of the Scholastic book.]–Ellen Frank, Flushing High School Library, Queens, NY

This review was published in the School Library Journal December 2015 issue.