Review Detail

Refugee: The Graphic Novel follows the story of three different characters who are all fleeing from their hometowns due to the harsh conditions currently impacting them. Josef, a Jewish boy who is living in 1930s Nazi Germany, boards a ship to Cuba in an attempt to flee the concentration camps. Isabel, a Cuban girl in 1994, sets out on a raft with her family, trying to escape the riots in her country due to the government. Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015, attempted to flee his country due to violence and destruction, and began his journey to Europe with his family.

What I Liked: While each of the stories that are highlighted in this graphic novel is unique, it's fascinating to see how interconnected they are, and the points that tie them all together. The closing of this book is shocking as you see exactly how the three stories tie together, and you also recognize how history tends to repeat itself. This message comes across strongly through the final pages in the book. Along with that message, there is a feeling of hope that permeates throughout this book. Even when the journey gets complicated or they experience many hurdles, the children in the stories remain hopeful for a better future for themselves and their families.

The illustrations combined with the text in this book do a great job of captivating your attention, and also work with one another to create a powerful and moving story. The illustrations do a great job of transporting you into each setting, and it's clear that the time period in each of these stories is taking place. There are moments throughout the book where you’ll need to take a step back to absorb the things that are taking place and provide yourself space to feel with the characters as they lose more than just their home.

Final Verdict: Refugee: The Graphic Novel is a powerful story that intertwines the various stories of three refugees to show that the struggles of refugees continue throughout the years. This book is a fantastic way to introduce the plight of refugees to children ages 9 and up, and show them the complexities of these journeys for others. If you enjoyed reading the novel version of Refugee or are a fan of historical fiction, then this is a great book for you to pick up.