Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "A Night Divided" by Jennifer A. Nielsen

1. Historical Context:

   • How does the novel depict the historical setting of East and West Berlin during the time of the Berlin Wall? In what ways does the historical backdrop contribute to the tension and challenges faced by the characters?

2. Family Dynamics:

   • Explore the dynamics within the Baumann family. How does the construction of the Berlin Wall impact Gerta, Fritz, and their family relationships? How do they cope with being separated by the wall?

3. Character Growth:

   • Analyze the character development of Gerta throughout the novel. How does she evolve and mature as she faces the challenges of living in East Berlin and working towards reuniting her family?

4. Friendship and Loyalty:

   • Discuss the importance of friendship and loyalty in the story. How do Gerta's relationships with other characters, such as Anna and Dominic, influence her journey and decisions?

5. Challenges of Division:

   • Explore the challenges faced by families and individuals living on either side of the Berlin Wall. In what ways does the division impact their daily lives, dreams, and aspirations?

6. Symbolism of the Wall:

   • Consider the symbolism of the Berlin Wall in the novel. How does the wall represent not only a physical barrier but also the ideological and emotional divisions between East and West?

7. Risk and Courage:

   • Gerta takes significant risks to reunite her family. Discuss the theme of courage and the willingness to take risks for the sake of freedom and family. What challenges do the characters face, and how do they overcome them?

8. Historical Resonance:

   • Reflect on the relevance of the historical events depicted in the novel to contemporary issues. In what ways do the themes of division, freedom, and resilience resonate with modern-day challenges?

9. Government Control:

   • Explore the portrayal of government control and surveillance in East Berlin. How do characters navigate a society where their actions and words are closely monitored?

10. Escaping Oppression:

    • Gerta's family seeks to escape oppression in East Berlin. Discuss the motivations and experiences of families who sought freedom and a better life during this historical period.

11. Reunion Theme:

    • The novel revolves around the theme of family reunion. How does the author build tension and anticipation as the characters work towards reuniting against all odds?

12. Impact on Young Readers:

    • Consider the impact of "A Night Divided" on young readers. How might the novel contribute to their understanding of historical events and the importance of freedom?

The Berlin Wall, a symbol of the Cold War division between East and West Germany, had a significant impact on the history of Berlin and the world. Here is a timeline of key events related to the construction, existence, and eventual fall of the Berlin Wall:

1952-1961: Precursors to the Wall

• 1952: East Germany (German Democratic Republic, GDR) closes the border between East and West Berlin and starts constructing a barbed-wire fence.

• 1958: The border between East and West Berlin becomes more fortified with additional fencing and barriers.

• 1959: GDR leader Walter Ulbricht declares that "nobody has the intention to build a wall."

1961: Construction of the Berlin Wall

• August 13, 1961: In the early hours of the morning, East German soldiers begin building the Berlin Wall, initially using barbed wire and later adding concrete segments. The construction is an attempt to prevent East Germans from defecting to West Germany.

• October 27, 1961: Checkpoint Charlie, a famous crossing point between East and West Berlin, is established.

1962-1980: The Wall's Development

• 1962: The wall undergoes further reinforcement and improvements. It evolves from a barbed-wire fence to a more fortified structure with concrete segments.

• 1963: The first fatal shooting at the Berlin Wall occurs when Peter Fechter, an East German attempting to escape, is shot and left to bleed to death.

• 1971: Four Power Agreement on Berlin is signed by the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France. The agreement acknowledges the division of Berlin but does not legitimize the Wall.

• 1975: The Helsinki Accords recognize the borders established in post-World War II Europe but do not specifically address the status of the Berlin Wall.

1987-1989: Winds of Change

• 1987: Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev introduces political and economic reforms in the Soviet Union, marking the beginning of a new era in East-West relations.

• 1989: Mass protests against the East German government gain momentum, leading to a series of events across Eastern Europe known as the Revolutions of 1989.

• November 9, 1989: East German authorities unexpectedly announce that citizens can cross freely between East and West Berlin. Thousands of people celebrate and start dismantling parts of the Wall. This event marks the effective fall of the Berlin Wall.

1990: German Reunification

• July 1, 1990: The economic and social merger of East and West Germany begins.

• October 3, 1990: German reunification is officially completed, and the two German states officially become one unified Germany.

The Berlin Wall, once a symbol of division, became a symbol of the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. The fall of the Wall is often considered a historic moment that signaled the end of the ideological conflict between the Eastern and Western blocs.

Jennifer A. Nielsen is an American author known for her works in the young adult and middle-grade fiction genres. Here is a brief biography of Jennifer A. Nielsen:

Early Life and Education:

• Jennifer A. Nielsen was born and raised in northern Utah, USA.
• She attended Utah State University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Teaching Career:

• Jennifer worked as a teacher for several years, focusing on language arts and writing.

Writing Career:

• Jennifer A. Nielsen began her writing career by creating novels for middle-grade and young adult readers.
• She gained recognition for her ability to craft engaging and adventurous stories with strong characters.

Notable Works:

1. "The Ascendance Trilogy" (2012-2014):

   • This trilogy includes "The False Prince," "The Runaway King," and "The Shadow Throne." The series follows the story of Sage, an orphan chosen to impersonate a missing prince.

2. "A Night Divided" (2015):

   • This historical novel is set during the Cold War and tells the story of a family divided by the Berlin Wall. It explores themes of courage and resilience.

3. "Mark of the Thief" Trilogy (2015-2017):

   • This trilogy includes "Mark of the Thief," "Rise of the Wolf," and "Wrath of the Storm." It is a fantasy series set in ancient Rome.

4. "The Traitor's Game" Trilogy (2018-2019):

   • The trilogy consists of "The Traitor's Game," "The Deceiver's Heart," and "The Warrior's Curse." It is a fantasy series with elements of romance, intrigue, and betrayal.

5. "Words on Fire" (2019):

   • This middle-grade historical novel is set in Lithuania and explores the power of books and resistance against oppression.

6. "The Shadow Project" Series (2017-2018):

   • A series of adventure novels aimed at middle-grade readers, featuring a secret organization and young protagonists.

Writing Style and Themes:

• Jennifer A. Nielsen is known for her ability to create compelling and immersive worlds, whether in historical fiction or fantasy settings.
• Her novels often feature strong protagonists facing challenges, and they explore themes of courage, loyalty, and resilience.

Legacy:

• Jennifer A. Nielsen has gained a reputation as a prolific and versatile author, contributing to the world of children's and young adult literature with a range of captivating stories.