Literature & Fiction
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Refugee
A tour de force from acclaimed author Alan Gratz (Prisoner B-3087), this timely -- and timeless -- novel tells the powerful story of three different children seeking refuge.A New York Times bestseller!JOSEF is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. With the threat of concentration camps looming, he and his family board a ship bound for the other side of the world . . .ISABEL is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft, hoping to find safety in America . . .MAHMOUD is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe . . .All three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All will face unimaginable dangers -- from drownings to bombings to betrayals. But there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end.This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home.
Editorial Reviews
Praise for Refugee:* "Gratz accomplishes a feat that is nothing short of brilliant, offering a skillfully wrought narrative laced with global and intergenerational reverberations that signal hope for the future. . . . Poignant, respectful, and historically accurate while pulsating with emotional turmoil, adventure, and suspense." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "[A] hard-hitting novel. . . . Filled with both tragic loss and ample evidence of resilience, these memorable and tightly plotted stories contextualize and give voice to current refugee crises, underscoring that these journeys are born out of a desperate need for security and safety." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review"Gratz, who is known for well-written and well-researched historical fiction, doesn't disappoint. His latest is timely and moving. . . . This compelling novel will help young people make sense of today's refugee crisis. Meant to be read, discussed, and shared widely." -- School Library Journal"Some novels are engaging and some novels are important. Refugee is both." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys"This heart-stopping novel is not only compelling -- it is necessary." -- Judy Blundell, National Book Award winning author of What I Saw and How I Lied"An incredibly important, heartrending, edge-of-the-seat read, bringing light to the plight of immigrants who search for safety and freedom." -- Pam Muñoz Ryan, author of the New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book Echo"With urgent, clear-eyed storytelling, Gratz's Refugee compellingly explores the desperation and strength that unites those struggling for a place to call home." -- Eliot Schrefer, New York Times bestselling author and two-time National Book Award finalist of Rescued and Endangered"Full of struggle, heroism, and non-stop adventure, Refugee is not only an important book, it's a terrific story." -- Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, author of the New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book The War That Saved My Life"Powerful and compelling. Refugee is a story about what unites us all." -- Christina Diaz Gonzalez, award-winning author of Moving TargetPraise for Projekt 1065:* "While the book is replete with fascinating historical insight, Gratz has also crafted a suspenseful mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With short, action-packed chapters, it is a great choice for reluctant readers as well... A winning combination of action, suspense, and historical setting." -- School Library Journal, starred review* "A rare insider's glimpse into the Hitler Youth: animated, well-researched, and thought-provoking." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"[A] hig...
Readers Top Reviews
S CohenDaft MonkAndy
I am reading this with my 11 year old son and we are both loving it. Three really strong character’s stories that are clear to follow. My son is learning so much - lots of issues raised and questions being asked. Highly recommend this book.
Fabienne DelpyGymsta
I am a homeschooling mother and have just finished reading this book to preview it before sharing it with my 12 year old son. He wants to volunteer with refugees this coming school year and I though this would be a good place for us to start learning more together. In the end I feel conflicted about the book. On the one hand, it is fairly well written, with great touches occasionally (the Syrian dad’s sense of humor, the interconnection between the three stories, the serendipity that makes a Berlin a place to be absolutely fled in one story, then a city of refuge in another). The language level is perfectly suitable for the middle grades. The story contents, on the other hand, is too harrowing for a 12 year old in my opinion. There are graphic description of torture by drowning, beatings, etc. I feel there is a disconnect between the simplicity of the language level and the level of emotional maturity one would need to absorb the detailed violence on display. I’m not questioning that many details are tragically accurate, I was simply expecting something more along the lines of ‘Number the Stars’— grounded in historical facts, touching and effective but not horrifying. I am not sure I will want to share this with my son for another couple of years.
LindaB
Based on real stories, real characters in history and of today, Alan Gratz alternates telling the tragic tales of three times in history when refugees were in frantic need of escaping their homes. There is JOSEF, a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. Hitler has given the ultimatum to Jews that they must leave Germany or be taken to concentration camps. They have fourteen days. He and his family board a ship named the St. Louis, bound for Cuba. And there is ISABEL a Cuban girl in 1994. In the midst of riots and her father heading for arrest, Castro has said that those who leave will not be arrested. She and her family set out on a cobbled together boat, hoping to find safety in America. Finally, there is MAHMOUD, a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe. All of us have heard parts of these stories, but when written from the viewpoints of early adolescents, sadness almost overwhelms me. How can others find the cruelty to treat children this way? How can it be that children must endure such terrible experiences in their young lives? Alan respects the children’s feelings in his storytelling, but shows how they learn to take charge, how they learn they “must” take charge to help. They give up their childhood to help save their families. There is hope in every part; even in the darkest passages, small kindnesses appear. Learning of children’s lives in all parts of our world is something that will help readers gain sympathy for those who need help. Alan Gratz wrote a long afterword about his research for each time period, and ways we can help today.
Fine WeatherLinda V.
Written to garner specific emotions. Manipulative. Too political.
K. Hardy
I am a fourth grade teacher and have been looking for a new book to read aloud and I think this is the one! This book includes figurative language, lots of connections between the characters, historically accurate details that could be explored much further, connections with modern issues regarding refugees, and so much more. There is definitely some mature content discussed as Josef’s father recounts some of his experiences in a concentration camp, and the word “pissed” is used once. Would recommend this book for mature young readers only, or as a read aloud where an adult can be present to answer questions about our not always so pleasant history. This book is a page turner, but be prepared to have tissues at hand! I cried more than once. Without giving away too many details, just know this isn’t your typical “happily ever after” novel. It is a very realistic fiction that deals with the real challenges of being a refugee. People die, are separated, lost, reunited and go on to make an impact. Pick up this book whether you’re 10 or 50 for a great book that is an easy read!! Update: My class read this book as our last book of the year... I had a number of students say this was their favorite books we read all year (we read six other novels). I ended up using the audio book and it was a great decision! It was read by three different narrators and made it even more realistic! Such a great book that led to so many great connections and conversations. We had an amazing discussion at the end of the book and I feel good about helping shape my students views of acceptance and refugees.
Short Excerpt Teaser
Pak! A pistol rang out again over the waves, and the crowd on the beach cried out in panic. The pistol fired again -- pak! -- and -- ping! -- the hull of the Castillos' boat rang as the bullet hit it.The police were shooting at them! But why? Didn't Castro say it was all right to leave?Isabel's eyes fell on Luis and his girlfriend, and she understood. They had been drafted into the police, and they weren't allowed to leave. They were deserters, and deserters were shot.The motor coughed to life, and the boat lurched into a wave, spraying Isabel with seawater. The villagers on the beach cheered for them, and Sr. Castillo revved the engine, leaving the charging policemen in their wake.Isabel braced herself between two of the benches, trying to catch her breath. It took her a moment to process it, but this was really happening. They were leaving Cuba, her village, her home -- everything she'd ever known -- behind.Isabel's father pitched across the roiling boat and grabbed Sr. Castillo by the shirt. "What are you playing at, letting them on board?" he demanded. "What if they follow us? What if they send a navy boat after us? You've put us all in danger!"Sr. Castillo batted Geraldo Fernandez's arms away. "We didn't ask you to come along!""It's our gasoline!" Isabel's father yelled.They kept arguing, but the engine and the slap of the boat against the waves drowned their words out for Isabel. She wasn't paying any attention anyway. All she could think about was the ninety miles they still had to go, and the water pouring in from the gunshot hole in the side of the boat.
