What Divides Us

Walls by L. M. Elliott

"Your children are wearing their dog tags, right? And you have an emergency bag packed...just in case?"
"Welcome to Berlin."

Current headlines include these concepts: borders, walls, refugees, family separations, authoritarian regimes. informants, and asylum seekers. These issues are not new. They were on the minds of people during the years following World War II.

Walls introduces young readers to the politics and intrigue behind a wall that was created sixty years ago as a guarded barrier, physically and ideologically dividing Berlin. This fictional account of events begins in August 1960 and culminates with initial construction of the Berlin Wall in August 1961.

Fifteen-year-old Drew McMahon and his family relocate to Berlin for his father’s next military duty assignment. They reside in the zone occupied by America.

Drew’s mother views this as an opportunity reconnect with her German relatives. She introduces her family to their German cousin Matthias who lives in the Soviet Union Sector. Initially, both boys appear to have little in common. Drew plays baseball and is an "army brat." Matthias is a skillful soccer player who pledged to take up arms against NATO.

The boys discover that they share an interest in contemporary music, the theater, and thought-provoking literature.

With maps, historical photos, and political cartoons, readers are introduced to Berlin after World War II. ​Each chapter begins with a selection of relevant historical photographs featuring images of world events from that time period. This structure offers readers a close-up view of the time and place, giving the narrative an authentic feel.

The text includes numerous German phrases (shown in italics) with context that supports comprehension.  Back matter includes an Afterword,  Acknowledgments, Photo Credits, Selected Sources including books, an article, documentaries, drama series, and films.

Based on actual events Elliott creates a gripping story of a city occupied by opposing countries. Spies are everywhere. Who can be trusted? What is safe? Elliott ratchets up the tension, building to a climactic heart-pounding dramatic escape, evading concertina wire and armed guards.

Walls is a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history that invites comparisons with contemporary events. Highly recommended.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: July 27, 2021  Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers  ISBN: 978-1643750248