Reviews

Over and Out by Jenni L. Walsh

shirleytupperfreeman's review

This should get the middle reader's blood pumping. Twelve year old Sophie is being raised by her mom on the east side of the Berlin wall and all she thinks about is getting over the wall and out of East Berlin. She and her best friend Katarina concoct all kinds of crazy escape schemes. In the meantime, Sophie is asked/required to spy on her beloved neighbor and she discovers a secret cache of stuff under her bed. Secrets are revealed and risky escapes are planned. Will Sophie's group make it out?

ksbhorsegal's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tennisgirl27's review

4.0

This is a Middle Grade historical fiction novel that documents life in East Berlin for a school girl and her attempt to escape over the Berlin Wall to West Germany. This book had the right mix of action and history but written in an age appropriate way for the intended audience. I really enjoyed this book and it would a great family read. 4/5

xangemthelibrarian's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Let me start with this: I do not like historical fiction. I tend to find it dry, boring, and often too bogged down with the details of the historical event the book is set during. Did I find this book hard to slog through? Sometimes. But I needed to finish this book: it was good.

Sophie is an excellent character. She is smart, compassionate, and yearns for more out of life. She is ambitious and driven. Even while the East German government was trying to make her small and compliant with threats and psychological warfare, Sophie didn't back down. She became even more clever. She learned to play games like the Stasi did and honestly, this girl is a whole handful. Her mom better watch out as she continues to learn and grow!

I also appreciated the surprises in the book. I was banking on Katarina betraying Sophie, but I was definitely looking in the wrong direction. I also appreciate that Sophie was unable to do everything herself. She tried her hardest, and turned to Katarina when she couldn't finish planning their escape on her own. And when she had run out of options, she finally turned to her mother for help. I liked that she was able to balance her independence with knowing when it was time to seek help. She didn't rely on her mom all the time, but she wasn't a One Girl Wonder either.

delphisstrawberryfarm's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

readfineprint's review

5.0

I enjoyed Jennifer Nielsen’s book A Night Divided, so I was excited to see this middle grade book Over and Out had the same premise: life in East Germany during the time the wall was up.
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Sophie is determined to escape to the West, but she and her friend Katarina can’t figure out how to do it. The ideas they eventually come up with are based off of true events! I found this book suspenseful and thought provoking, so I know a kid would love it too.
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I also think this story would stir gratitude and historical perspective in a child. I’m interested to also read I Am Defiance from Jenni L. Walsh.

scoutabout's review

emotional tense fast-paced

4.5

katesleepyteach's review

informative tense fast-paced

5.0

This was sent to me by the author.  I absolutely loved this story taking place in East Germany.   This is a great page turner.  I can’t wait to share it with my students !