Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken
on Goodreads (1,071)
What’s inside...
A heart-wrenching queer historical YA romance set during World War II in Berlin, following Charlotte Kraus and her journey through the Swing Youth movement. As Charlotte, or Charlie, finds herself immersed in the underground club scene with American jazz and swing music, she is drawn to larger acts of rebellion against the Nazi Party's rules. With the backdrop of Hitler's rising power, Charlie and her peers navigate love, hope, and resistance, risking everything in the fight for their freedom. Critically acclaimed, this novel captures the essence of hope and love amidst the terror of war.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the world that Charlie lives in? How does it make you feel?
Charlie finds unique ways to communicate and express himself. Can you think of any ways you express yourself that are special to you?
Why do you think it is important for Charlie and his friends to find their voice?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
If you could give Charlie one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the story. Discuss any moments where they felt similar to how Charlie feels.
Explore the historical context of the setting with your child to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the characters' challenges.
Discuss the importance of self-expression and having a voice. Ask your child why it’s important to stand up for what they believe in.
After reading, ask your child to draw or write about their favorite scene, focusing on how the characters felt and why it was meaningful to them.
Use open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the themes and characters, fostering a deeper engagement with the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: In 'Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges but uses resilience to overcome adversity. This helps in driving the narrative and showcases the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their own difficulties, whether in school, sports, or friendships, and understand that challenges can be overcome with determination and resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist relies on the support of friends to navigate tough situations, illustrating the value of strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value and nurture friendships, and that having reliable friends can be an emotional buffer against difficulties.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The book showcases diverse characters from different backgrounds, helping children see the beauty in diversity and promoting acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity in their own lives, learning to respect and appreciate people who may look, act, or think differently than they do.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: The characters in the book express themselves through art and music, which is crucial to their identity and coping mechanisms.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and express their own feelings through creative outlets like drawing, writing, or playing music, aiding in emotional development.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Key moments in 'Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken' involve characters standing up against injustices, teaching the importance of courage and integrity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for themselves and others in the face of wrongdoing, fostering a sense of justice and moral responsibility.