A heartwarming, coming-of-age debut YA novel with plenty to entertain both young and adult. Divided Berlin is the face of the Cold War in the 70s. Kate is new at Berlin American High School in West Berlin, confused how life works in an island of freedom walled in by a totalitarian state. Life in the American Sector takes off when Kate befriends Amy, joins cross country, and discovers Berlin's quirky nightlife, while falling quietly in love. On the other side of the Wall, siblings Michael and Anika are alone, struggling to stay true to their values despite State repression and manipulations of a creepy relative who works for the Stasi. Anika must find the courage to reveal her dark secret to her brother. Worlds separated by the Wall: when they merge, the result is an explosion of courage as love leads the way.