Adobe EPUB eBook Series
Refugee
2017 by
on Goodreads (71,964)
What’s inside...
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. Alan Gratz (Prisoner B-3087, Projekt 1065) delivers an action-packed novel that tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home.
Why read this book
- Engages empathy through diverse refugee perspectives.
- Highlights resilience, hope amidst adversity.
- Enhances understanding of global humanitarian issues.
- Encourages family discussion on complex topics.
The Big Picture
- Illustrates empathy through characters' challenging journeys.
- Highlights importance of family, hope, and resilience.
- Encourages discussions on current events and humanitarian issues.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases cultural diversity through captivating personal narratives.
- Promotes empathy with characters from varied backgrounds.
- Encourages awareness of global humanitarian issues.
Age
10-13
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do the stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud compare and contrast in their search for safety?
What role does hope play in each character's journey, and how does it affect their decisions?
How does the theme of resilience show itself in the book? Can you share a moment when a character displayed great resilience?
What did you learn about the reasons people become refugees? How does this change your view on the refugee crisis worldwide?
How can we, as individuals or as a community, help people who are in similar situations as the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and stories to create a comfortable environment for open discussion.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in each character's shoes, considering how they might feel in similar circumstances.
Highlight connections between the book’s events and real-world issues, fostering a deeper understanding of current global situations.
Revisit challenging parts of the story to tackle complex emotions or concepts, ensuring comprehension and thoughtful reflection.
What parents love
Perfect for mature tweens and teens.
Addresses tough topics with care.
Educational yet incredibly engaging.
Promotes empathy and understanding.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse experiences
Explanation: Through the harrowing journeys of three different young refugees from different eras, readers experience the challenges and hardships faced by displaced individuals.
Real-World Application: This lesson facilitates a deeper understanding of peers who might come from diverse backgrounds and encourages children to be compassionate towards others in their community.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main characters in 'Refugee' demonstrate immense courage and persistence, overcoming extreme obstacles during their escapes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding of resilience to their own difficulties, be it at school or in social settings, learning to persevere even in challenging times.
Example Lesson: The importance of history and its impacts
Explanation: By weaving together stories from different time periods and settings, the book highlights how historical events shape lives and societies.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to connect past events with current issues, enhancing their critical thinking and making them more informed citizens.
Example Lesson: Solidarity and the value of helping others
Explanation: Characters in the stories often find hope through the kindness of strangers, emphasizing the importance of helping others in need.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to extend help to those who need it, fostering a sense of community and shared humanity in their everyday interactions.