Refugee by Alan Gratz tells the intertwined stories of three young protagonists: Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, each fleeing their home countries due to persecution and conflict. Set against the backdrop of historical events, the narrative explores themes of survival, resilience, and the quest for safety. Josef escapes Nazi Germany, Isabel flees Cuba, and Mahmoud seeks refuge from the Syrian war, highlighting the universal struggles faced by refugees. This compelling novel is suitable for middle school readers and offers a poignant look at the refugee experience, making it an essential read for those interested in history and social justice.

Key Points

  • Explores the journeys of three young refugees: Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud.
  • Highlights the historical contexts of Nazi Germany, Cuba, and Syria.
  • Addresses themes of survival, family, and the quest for safety.
  • Suitable for middle school readers and educational discussions on immigration.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Alan Gratz
Edition:First edition
279 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
History of Africa
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Alan Gratz
Edition:First edition
279 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
History of Africa
319
/ 279
CRACK! BANG!
Josef Landau shot straight up in bed, his heart racing. That sound—it was
like someone had kicked the front door in. Or had he dreamed it?
Josef listened, straining his ears in the dark. He wasn’t used to the sounds
of this new flat, the smaller one he and his family had been forced to move
into. They couldn’t afford their old place, not since the Nazis told Josef’s
father he wasn’t allowed to practice law anymore because he was Jewish.
Across the room, Josef’s little sister, Ruth, was still asleep. Josef tried to
relax. Maybe he’d just been having a nightmare.
Something in the darkness outside his room moved with a grunt and a
scuffle.
Someone was in the house!
Josef scrambled backward on his bed, his eyes wide. There was a
shattering sound in the next room—crisssh! Ruth woke up and screamed.
Screamed in sheer blind terror. She was only six years old.
“Mama!” Josef cried. “Papa!”
Towering shadows burst into the room. The air seemed to crackle around
them like static from a radio. Josef tried to hide in the corner of his bed, but
shadowy hands snatched at him. Grabbed for him. He screamed even louder
/ 279
End of Document
319

Figures

Refugee by Alan Gratz — Figure 1
CRACK! BANG!
It was like they were invisible.
Isabel opened her eyes and lowered the trumpet from her lips. She was sure
Mahmoud’s father stopped their Mercedes station wagon for gasoline at a
Mahmoud could hear music beyond the fence.
Mahmoud stood in a wet parking lot with his family, a light drizzle making
Mahmoud screamed.
“God help us—
Isabel woke to a warm orange glow on the horizon and a silver sea stretching
The little boat was falling apart.
Mahmoud was in another tent city. The paved parking lot at the pier in
Mahmoud felt like he was back in Syria. Policemen with guns guarded the
Miami! They weren’t even a day out of Havana, and already the
Mahmoud stared at the gun pointed at him. Was this real, or was he still
Sirens. Soldiers shouting through bullhorns. Screams. Explosions. Mahmoud
The
They came for Mahmoud and his father again the next morning, this time to
Gunfire crackled. An artillery shell whistled overhead and hit with a
Here, in this boat that had been her home for four days and four nights,
Hungarian people on both sides of the road stopped and stared as Mahmoud
This was the coda to Isabel’s song.
A German song Mahmoud had never heard before played on the radio of the
Refugee by Alan Gratz — Figure 24
Refugee by Alan Gratz — Figure 25
Refugee by Alan Gratz — Figure 26
Refugee by Alan Gratz — Turn the page for a sneak peek at Alan Gratz’s novel
Refugee by Alan Gratz — Figure 28

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FAQs

What happens to Josef's family during Kristallnacht?
During Kristallnacht, Josef's family experiences a terrifying invasion by Nazi stormtroopers in their home. They are violently awakened, and Josef's father, Aaron Landau, is arrested for continuing to practice law despite being Jewish. The Nazis trash their home, breaking furniture and throwing belongings around, while Josef and his sister Ruth are left in shock and fear. This night marks a significant turning point for the family, as it becomes clear they are no longer safe in Germany.
How does Josef react to his father's arrest?
Josef reacts with panic and desperation when the Nazis arrest his father. He tries to intervene, grabbing the arm of one of the men and pleading for his father's release. Despite his efforts, he is overpowered and humiliated, especially when the brownshirt mocks him for wetting himself in fear. Josef's determination to protect his family is evident, as he expresses his desire to be a man soon, indicating his longing for strength in a helpless situation.
What is the significance of the telegram Josef's family receives?
The telegram Josef's family receives is significant as it announces his father's release from the Dachau concentration camp, but with the condition that the family must leave Germany within fourteen days. This news brings mixed feelings for Josef; he is relieved to hear from his father but is also filled with dread about leaving his home. The telegram underscores the urgency of their situation and the pressure they face from the Nazis to emigrate, highlighting the family's precarious position in a hostile environment.

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