I have been so eager to get to Beth Kephart’s Going Over, and it did NOT disappoint. The language is beautiful, the imagery Kephart creates through her graffiti artist narrator – intense. The characters – Ada and Stefan – are beautifully realized. 21st century teens will have no trouble relating to these two from the 80’s.

Summary from Kephart’s website:

It is February 1983, and Berlin is a divided city—a miles-long barricade separating east from west. But the city isn’t the only thing that is divided. Ada, almost 16, lives with her mother and grandmother among the rebels, punkers, and immigrants of Kreuzberg, just west of the wall. Stefan, 18, lives east with his brooding grandmother in a faceless apartment bunker of Friedrichshain, his telescope pointed toward freedom. Bound by love and separated by circumstance, their only chance lies in a high-risk escape. But will Stefan find the courage to leap? Will Ada keep waiting for the boy she has only seen four times a year ever since she can remember? Or will forces beyond their control stand in their way?

Why should my readers care?

They will love Ada. She has pink hair – long before it became a fairly normal hair color. She is an artist, and the language of the book is artistic. She is independent. She is compassionate. She is tough.
Their hearts will be broken by the story of young Savas from the daycare where Ada works. Adventure, hope, and defeat color this important story that becomes so much the heart of Ada and Stefan’s story.
Stefan shows phenomenal courage and his story is one that should appeal to male and female readers alike. Students will be challenged by the questions: “What are you willing to give up for freedom?” and “What risks are too big?” and “What do you value?”
The story begins with a true story. Such a start always engages my kids.
The novel is set in the 80’s. What’s not to love? Surely this 80’s child can sell the 80’s!

A common core aligned readers’ guide is available here:

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/landing-pages/pdfs/GoingOver_DiscussionGuide_FINAL_rev.pdf

An article by Kephart on teaching the wall is available here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/beth-kephart/writing-the-walls-berlin-_b_5366536.html