Going over - Beth Kephart

It is February 1983, and Berlin is a divided city with a miles-long barricade separating east from west. But the city isn't the only thing that is divided. Ada lives among the rebels, punkers, and immigrants of Kreuzberg in West Berlin. Stefan lives in East Berlin, in a faceless apartment bunker of Friedrichshain. Bound by love and separated by circumstance, their only chance for a life together lies in a high-risk escape. But will Stefan find the courage to leap? Or will forces beyond his control stand in his way? National Book Award finalist Beth Kephart presents a story of daring and sacrifice, and love that will not wait.

Beth Kephart is the author of more than a dozen books, including the National Book Award finalist A Slant of Sun, as well as many critically acclaimed novels for young adults including Undercover, House of Dance, Nothing but Ghosts, The Heart Is Not a Size, You are my Only, and Small Damages.

In addition to being a National Book Award finalist, Kephart is a winner of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts fiction grant, a National Endowment for the Arts grant, a Leeway grant, a Pew Fellowships in the Arts grant, and the Speakeasy Poetry Prize, among other honors. Kephart's essays are frequently anthologized, she has judged numerous competitions, and she has taught workshops at many institutions, to all ages. She has also teaches advanced nonfiction workshops at the University of Pennsylvania.

"Beth Kephart has done it again. She's spun gold out of the language of longing and has shown us how to make room for miracles. Going Over--about a boy and girl separated by the cruelest of fates--will inspire any reader to make the leap for love."--Patricia McCormick, author of National Book Award Finalists Sold and Never Fall Down

"A stark reminder of the power of hope, courage, and love."-Booklist, starred review

"At once compelling and challenging... this gripping effort captures the full flavor of a trying time in an onerous place."--Kirkus Reviews

"Paints a vivid picture of a divided Berlin and the wall that separates friends, lovers and families."--BookPage

"An unforgettable portrayal of life and love divided. Kephart captures the beauty and desperation of 1980's Berlin with prose both gripping and graceful."--Ruta Sepetys, New York Times bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray and Out of the Easy

"An excellent example of historical fiction focusing on an unusual time period."-School Library Journal, starred review

"An intense, absorbing read that shows how the personal and political can be fused together, and how small, personal acts can have life-changing implications for many people.... a unique, passionate story illuminating a fascinating time and place."--Common Sense Media

"A keenly intimate story of human love made epic by circumstances."-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

A Junior Library Guild Selection

"Readers will finish the book and continue to think about how effective one wall can be in separating a country and in fashioning attitudes toward life."--Reading Today

"Going Over carefully balances love and heartbreak, propelling readers through the story."--Shelf Awareness

"A profound read meant for discussion."-VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates

"An absorbing story of young love and conflicting ideologies."--Publishers Weekly