Refugee by Alan Gratz
5-star review by Anonymous, 8th grade
Plot Summary
Refugee is a powerful and emotional novel that tells the stories of three kids from different time periods who are all forced to flee their homes. Josef is escaping Nazi Germany, Isabel is trying to leave Cuba in the 1990s, and Mahmoud is running from war in Syria. What makes this book really interesting is how all three stories are connected, even though they happen in different times. The author switches between each character, which keeps the story exciting and makes you want to keep reading. I liked this book because it shows how hard life can be for refugees and helps you understand what they go through. Some parts are really intense and emotional, which makes it better for teens than younger kids. It can be sad at times, but it also shows courage, family, and hope. Overall, Refugee is a meaningful and eye-opening book that I would recommend to anyone who wants a story that is both emotional and important.
Personal Review
I really liked Refugee because it helped me understand what is happening in the world in a much deeper way than I expected. Before reading this book, I knew that refugees existed, but I didn’t fully understand what they actually go through. This story made it feel real, not just something you hear about in the news or in class. One thing I really liked was how the book follows three different kids from different time periods and places. Even though their stories are all different, they all go through similar struggles like leaving their homes, facing danger, and trying to protect their families. It made me realize that this isn’t just one situation—it’s something that has been happening for a long time and is still happening today. While I was reading, I felt a lot of strong emotions. Some parts were really intense and stressful, and I found myself worrying about what would happen next. Other parts were just really sad, especially when the characters had to make hard decisions or lost things that were important to them. At the same time, there were moments of hope and bravery that made the story even more meaningful. This book also made me think about my own life. It showed me how lucky I am to have a safe home and not have to make the kinds of choices the characters had to make. It really opened my eyes and helped me understand other people’s experiences better, which I think is very important. Overall, I think Refugee is a powerful and eye-opening book that teaches you about the world while still being interesting and emotional to read. I would definitely recommend it to other teens because it helps you see things from a different perspective and understand what others go through.
Book Tags
Heartbreaking, Important, Courageous, Impactful
Similar Reads
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez