A Librarian Reads…

Refugee by Alan Gratz

In 1939, Josef and his family are forced to leave Germany when Hitler takes power. His father has already spent time in a concentration camp, and moving to Cuba is the only chance they have to stay alive and together. In 1994, Isabel’s family has suffered under Castro’s reign over Cuba. Her father has been vocal in his resistance, so when they get a chance to flee to the United States, they have no choice but to escape. In 2015, Mahmoud’s family has been living with the daily bombings in their Syrian home. When a bomb takes out their home, they decide it’s time to get out while they still can. Germany offers a chance for them to start over…if they can get there.

Told in three separate story lines, this novel explores the differences and similarities between these three refugee families. Recommended for readers in middle school and up who enjoy historical fiction.