GOING OVER
Available from the Indies, here.
Available from Amazon, here.
Available from Barnes and Noble, here.
Available as an INCREDIBLE Audible edition, here.
Booklist 2014 Editors' Choice
Gold Medal, Parents' Choice Awards, Historical Fiction
A 2014 American Booksellers Association Best Books for Children and Teens
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth
2015 Tayshas Reading List
On the YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults List
100 Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime/Readers' Choice
A School Library Journal Pick of the Day
An iBooks Big Spring book
An Amazon Big Spring book
An Indigo Best Teen Books of 2014 So Far Book
A Scholastic Book Club book
A HAWWA, etc. Best of the Year
A Capitol Choices Nominee
A Main Line Today Magazine Top Ten Beach Read
Top 10 Young Adult novels of 2014 ... so far
BCCB Holiday Gift Guide
On Teaching the Berlin Wall
Listen in on WHYY Morning Edition, with Jennifer Lynn: here
At Science Leadership Academy: the Huffington Story
At Downingtown West: poems and graffiti art
At Masterman High: poems and graffiti art
At Radnor High: poems and graffiti art
At Radnor High: photographic outtakes
Common Core Aligned Teacher's Guide
Please go here to read the amazing teacher's guide for this book.
Readers
unfamiliar with the political and historical backdrop of Berlin will
quickly absorb it from Beth Kephart's acutely sharp writing and
breathtaking details. The language and vivid imagery are exquisite.
Smells, sounds and colors pop off the page while the dark barb-wired
wall (and the Stassi who patrol it) hovers menacingly. - See more at:
http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=32700&StepNum=1&award=aw#sthash.p8E3q7eX.dpuf
Readers
unfamiliar with the political and historical backdrop of Berlin will
quickly absorb it from Beth Kephart's acutely sharp writing and
breathtaking details. The language and vivid imagery are exquisite.
Smells, sounds and colors pop off the page while the dark barb-wired
wall (and the Stassi who patrol it) hovers menacingly. - See more at:
http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=32700&StepNum=1&award=aw#sthash.p8E3q7eX.dpuf
Readers
unfamiliar with the political and historical backdrop of Berlin will
quickly absorb it from Beth Kephart's acutely sharp writing and
breathtaking details. The language and vivid imagery are exquisite.
Smells, sounds and colors pop off the page while the dark barb-wired
wall (and the Stassi who patrol it) hovers menacingly. - See more at:
http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=32700&StepNum=1&award=aw#sthash.p8E3q7eX.dpuf
Trade Reviews
“A stark reminder of the power of hope, courage, and love.”—Booklist, starred review (the full review here)
"Readers unfamiliar with the political and historical backdrop of Berlin will quickly absorb it from Beth Kephart's acutely sharp writing and breathtaking details. The language and vivid imagery are exquisite. Smells, sounds and colors pop off the page while the dark barb-wired wall (and the Stassi who patrol it) hovers menacingly." — Parents Choice Awards, Gold Medal, Historical Fiction
Readers
unfamiliar with the political and historical backdrop of Berlin will
quickly absorb it from Beth Kephart's acutely sharp writing and
breathtaking details. The language and vivid imagery are exquisite.
Smells, sounds and colors pop off the page while the dark barb-wired
wall (and the Stassi who patrol it) hovers menacingly. - See more at:
http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=32700&StepNum=1&award=aw#sthash.p8E3q7eX.dp
"An excellent example of historical fiction focusing on an unusual time period."—School Library Journal, starred review (full review here).
Going Over carefully balances love and heartbreak, propelling readers through the story, constantly wondering about the fate of Savas and whether Stefan will be able to cross over. The dangers and consequences Kephart portrays are as real as the victories and joys. -Shelf Awareness, starred review
“A keenly intimate story of human love made epic by circumstances.”-- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (full review here)
Kephart (Small Damages) crafts an absorbing story of young love and conflicting ideologies set in 1983 Berlin. — Publishers Weekly, (full review here).
Kephart’s writing is rich with sensory details and she creates a vivid sense of this time and place with the sights and smells, the fear and tension, the guard towers, the old bullet holes in buildings and the piles of wartime rubble—and the hope that keeps people going. The actual Wall isn’t the only wall in this story. The people of Going Over are everyday people, doing their best to survive and many of them build their own walls, some of silence, some of surrender, some of culture and not all of them can be safely crossed. — The Booklist Reader
Lyrical prose, beautiful and sensual imagery, a dark setting; yet, hope: there is always hope – because for the stars to shine, there needs to be darkness. Going Over just shot to my 'favourites' of 2015 list and I regret nothing. This book is graffiti, and colour and play dough and bikes. It is love, it is death, it is life; it is astronomy, maps, escapes and archery. It is a wall, splitting the earth with dark and hateful ideologies, and it is a spring in your step on one side: pink hair and coloured moles with a quiet and thoughtful being on the other; scope in hand, love clenched in heart and freedom circling though mind. Going Over is Ada and Stefan, Savas and Meryem, Turks and Germans and kids and adults. It is a story of humans and their plight in this world, and it is a story of love.— The Guardian
Parents need to know that Beth Kephart's Going Over portrays harsh experiences on both sides of the Berlin Wall in the early 1980s: political oppression, of course, along with murder, rape, depression, and domestic abuse. Though the violence is described in small details and references, it's gut-wrenching and emotionally difficult. Yet the overall tone of the story is of strength and hope. It's 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. Teens who stick with the challenging prose will be richly rewarded with a unique, passionate story illuminating a fascinating time and place. 5 Stars—Common Sense Media
This book is about love and pain on each side of the Berlin Wall. There are plenty of adult books that don’t capture the tension and gut-wrenching truth — and historical accuracy — of Kephart’s.—Jen Doll, Hairpin, "10 Contemporary Y.A. Books That Made Me Think (and That I Loved)
Going Over is a teen novel of far bigger ideas than most I have come across. The setting is brilliant and the split narrative, between Ada and Stefan, provides readers with a close look at just how different Berlin became after the split. (Which also makes the reunification that much more impressive.) There are so many novels set during WWII, while the Cold War remains stubbornly overlooked. I'm thus delighted with what Kephart has done here and find these characters, in their decidedly European setting, to be different in the best way. It's a thought provoking title with exceedingly likeable characters and a great ending; all of which make Going Over a winner. — Chasing Ray
"Life in the grim shadow of the Berlin Wall is vividly reflected in Kephart’s moving exploration in two voices." — Kirkus
A subplot involving Ada's favorite Turkish pre-schooler, Savas, and his abused mother brings out an aspect of the story of Berlin of which I knew nothing. In fact I've read no other fiction involving this dramatic historic era and place. The relationship of the grandmothers gives us a view of young adults in wartime Berlin, countering the punk history of the two protagonists.
The end matter includes diverse references for further study. Kephart, a former National Book Award Finalist, writes in heavily figurative language — almost always alluring — in this book about freedom and love. — The News-Gazette
)
The Going Over Playlist.
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?
Told in the alternating voices of the pink-haired graffiti artist and the boy she loves, Going Over is a story of daring and sacrifice, choices and consequences, and love that will not wait.
“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. This novel –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
“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
Enter the world of Going Over
Read an excerpt, here.
Read the Philadelphia Inquirer excerpt here.
Read the Wattpad excerpts here.
Rights
Audio rights sold to Audible.
Rights sold to Scholastic Book Club
Rights sold to Junior Library Guild
First Words
From School Library Journal, a few pre-pub words here.
On Teaching historical fiction and the Berlin Wall
My Chicago Tribune essay on urgent historical fiction here.
My HuffPo essay on teaching the Berlin wall here.
My Op-Ed piece, "A World Without Walls?" at Publishing Perspectives, here.
The Blog Tour — brief essays, Q and As, photographs, reviews
Blog tour, here.
More Reviews
"Going Over carefully balances love and heartbreak, propelling readers through the story."— Shelf Awareness
"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
“A profound read meant for discussion.” —VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates
One of my favorite literary writers of YA, Kephart has beautifully re-created the Spanish countryside for this contemporary novel about a teenage girl who’s exiled from her American home in order to hide the secret of her pregnancy. She leaves no sensation unexperienced, from the feel of the earth to the scent of oranges, and it’s hard to imagine getting any closer to Seville without a passport. (Kephart’s newest, Going Over, which alternates between East and West Germany, is another excellent candidate for this list.) — Barnes and Noble Book Blog, Dahlia Adler
A great historical novel about an important, dangerous and heartbreaking time that many young adults don't know much about. — Philippa Cameron
"Gritty, painful and lovely."--Emma, age 17, SLJ Teen, Young Adult Advisory Councils Reviewer
Beth Kephart has written Germany in brilliant and primal colors. I felt every word of Going Over. The book realistically paints life on both sides of the Berlin Wall. Ada is punk rock and dealing with her own emotions and feelings while Stefan is measured and fearful of escaping. Ada needs Stefan by her side and she pushes him to come be with her. Trying to wall jump could get Stefan killed. But not truly living and losing Ada could be worse than the grey landscape he is forced to live in.— Bookalicious
"Of course I love the lyrical, evocative writing. And I love the tone of the book: the feeling of desperation and impatience and longing and desire. The feeling of danger and the sense of foreboding. Most of all I love that even with this dark tone there is another that is full of hope and triumph. Going Over is one of those books that has stayed with me after reading it--and the more I think about it, the more things I find to love about it. My love for this writer's words and stories continues to grow.— The Flyleaf Review
"This book may have a desperate, dangerous tone--but ultimately it's a book about hope. Hope that Ada and Stefan will be able to be together. Hope that Stefan will possibly find his mother or discover what happened to his grandfather. Hope that the Turkish immigrants will find a better life in West Berlin. The hope that Ada and her mother will grow closer. And I think that is SO important, that this book which chronicles such a turbulent time in history is shot through with threads of joy and hope. Also aiding in that optimistic feeling is the knowledge that we readers are privy to. Ada and Stefan, and their friends and families, may not know it but WE know that that wall does come down eventually. It's the light at the end of the tunnel that only we can see and that helps this from becoming too dark of a story."—The Flyleaf Review (second review)
"This is such a well-researched historical fiction novel with strong connections to the end of the Cold War, communism, the eighties, and, of course, the Berlin Wall. It is also the best kind of historical fiction–the setting is an integral part of the plot, but it is woven in naturally, not forcefully. The book or excerpts could be used in conjunction with teaching these historical topics ... Kephart’s writing is practically a study in creating tone and evoking mood ... This is not a book for everyone. That said, it will be an excellent, excellent choice for many. Beth Kephart’s Going Over is equal parts poetic prose, authentic historical background, and emotional ups and downs (feels, if you will). Those who read should not be surprised by a strong urge to do some historical research." English Teachers Desk Reference
"This book may have a desperate, dangerous tone--but ultimately it's a book about hope. Hope that Ada and Stefan will be able to be together. Hope that Stefan will possibly find his mother or discover what happened to his grandfather. Hope that the Turkish immigrants will find a better life in West Berlin. The hope that Ada and her mother will grow closer. And I think that is SO important, that this book which chronicles such a turbulent time in history is shot through with threads of joy and hope. Also aiding in that optimistic feeling is the knowledge that we readers are privy to. Ada and Stefan, and their friends and families, may not know it but WE know that that wall does come down eventually. It's the light at the end of the tunnel that only we can see and that helps this from becoming too dark of a story."—The Flyleaf Review (second review)
"This is such a well-researched historical fiction novel with strong connections to the end of the Cold War, communism, the eighties, and, of course, the Berlin Wall. It is also the best kind of historical fiction–the setting is an integral part of the plot, but it is woven in naturally, not forcefully. The book or excerpts could be used in conjunction with teaching these historical topics ... Kephart’s writing is practically a study in creating tone and evoking mood ... This is not a book for everyone. That said, it will be an excellent, excellent choice for many. Beth Kephart’s Going Over is equal parts poetic prose, authentic historical background, and emotional ups and downs (feels, if you will). Those who read should not be surprised by a strong urge to do some historical research." English Teachers Desk Reference
Aside from the language, the imagery, and the sensory input, I marveled at the pacing. Beth creates these moments of stall, rewind, and then a lurch forward, over and over. As the story progresses, the pauses shorten and the reader is launched farther and farther. That so perfectly mimics the passing of time for the characters themselves, caught on either side of the wall. Simply brilliant.— Readergirlz
What’s Going Over about? It’s about love and freedom and equality. It’s about hardship and struggle and overcoming the odds. It’s about diversity and fitting into a new culture. The writing is true Beth Kephart, literary, descriptive, lyrical. The characters become your friends. You are there! The story grabs your heartstrings on so many levels, Stefan and Ada, Savas, Omi.— 2headstogether
Kephart’s Going Over is stunning, and like the punk rock of the 80s, it strives to stir the pot, make readers think, and evoke togetherness, love, and even heartbreak — there are lessons in each. — Savvy Verse and Wit
I loved every minute of this book, the vivid portrayal of life in Berlin, the ideas explored, the characters, the interesting and compelling situation, the lovely descriptions and language!— My Friend Amy
I'd strongly recommend Going Over to readers aged twelve and up who enjoy literary fiction. The 1980's setting and the lyrical style would cross over well to adults too. Beth Kephart is one of my favorite young adult authors and this is one of her best books. The critics agree. The book has earned starred reviews from School Library Review and Booklist. It's a Junior Library Guild selection. I expect it to win awards. The eye-catching cover is a winner too. Going Over made me cry and it made me cheer. I finished the last chapter longing for more. — Sarah Laurence
Beth Kephart also has an awesome way with details; I feel like I learned a lot about life in Berlin in the ‘80s and the art of graffiti, but it never felt like I was reading something straight out of a history book. Even though I’m an American who was only 5 when the Wall fell, I could understand and sympathize with Ada and Stefan’s plight.— Forever Young Adult
All these things I recalled effortlessly while reading GOING OVER. It’s a novel that will stay with you, even if you never witnessed the divided city with your own eyes. Set in 1983, the two narratives, Ada’s story and Stefan’s story, knit together into a seamless whole. Kephart summons a brave time not so long ago when friendships and families were torn apart by a wall that first appeared overnight in 1961. This is poetry disguised as prose. And it’s all about taking chances, and loving someone enough, loving freedom enough, to take the leap. — Joanne Fritz
Someday, I may stop saying that each new Beth Kephart book I read is the best yet, but in order for that to happen, she’ll have to stop outdoing herself. She hasn’t reached that point yet. Going Over, Kephart’s latest work of young-adult fiction, is as ambitious and daring as the young characters, Ada and Stefan, she has placed at the center of it.— Florinda, 3Rs
I found GOING OVER to be exhilarating to read. It was a great book and I’m excited to read other books by Beth Kephart! — Miss Literati
Ms Kephart has created a hauntingly lyrical and powerful story about lives in a divided Berlin, about choices and consequences, about love and loss that draws you in and won’t let you go long after you’ve put the book down. — Ruth Compton
Represented by Amy Rennert, Literary Agent, and Rich Green/Resolution, Film Agent
Read more...
