80 pages • 2 hours read
Refugee
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1930s
2017
Middle grade
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Refugee by Alan Gratz follows three refugee children from different eras: Josef fleeing Nazi Germany in 1939, Isabel escaping Castro's Cuba in 1994, and Mahmoud leaving war-torn Syria in 2015. Each child faces severe hardships and personal losses as they seek safety and a better future amidst political turmoil. The book addresses traumatic events, including war violence and loss.
Suspenseful
Emotional
Challenging
Adventurous
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
82,049 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alan Gratz’s Refugee has garnered praise for its compelling, interwoven narratives of child refugees from different eras, offering a poignant portrayal of their struggles. The characters are widely regarded as authentic and relatable, although some criticize the pacing as uneven. Overall, it effectively fosters empathy and raises awareness about the refugee crisis.
Who Should Read Refugee?
Readers who enjoy Refugee by Alan Gratz are typically middle school to young adult readers interested in historical fiction and social issues. Similar to fans of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and A Long Walk to Water, they seek emotionally impactful stories that illuminate the struggles and resilience of young protagonists facing extraordinary challenges.
82,049 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Josef’s Father
Josef’s Father
He is traumatized after returning from a concentration camp and is ultimately separated from his family when he is taken to a Cuban hospital.
Josef’s Mother
Josef’s Mother
She emotionally detaches after her husband is left behind in Cuba, struggling with the family's perilous situation.
Ruth Rosenberg
Ruth Rosenberg
Josef’s little sister, who survives through Josef's sacrifice. She grows up understanding her moral duty to help others as a result of her experiences as a refugee.
352
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1930s
2017
Middle grade
10-14 years
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