Refugee by Alan Gratz, a captivating novel, is written with an interlacing of three different stories, following the lives of three disparate children, and their families. These emigrants are grappling to find the courage they need to escape from the country they have loved. All are fleeing from their oppressed, unstable homeland and searching for a new frontier. A brand-new beginning.  

All these stories are set at various times and places in the 20th century. You will meet a Jewish boy named Josef, fleeing from his beloved Germany during WWII. Also, Isabel, escaping Cuba in the midst of rioting and turmoil, takes a makeshift boat fleeing to America. Finally, there is Mahmoud, a Syrian refugee, his home torn apart by violence and war, fleeing to wherever they will be welcomed. 

These engaging stories, meant for more mature readers, are so captivating, you won’t be able to set this book down. 

This book is also available as an ebook  and e-audiobook in Overdrive’s Digital Library. It is also available as an e-audiobook on Hoopla. 

Book reviewed by Darice C., Youth Services Assistant