Review Detail

Alan Gratz does it again with Refugee. Gratz knows how to weave historical facts and great story telling flawlessly. Refugee will tug at your heartstrings.

Refugee is the story of three very different kids experiencing the hatred and fear that is a real part of our history and current times. It is told in three perspectives, from three very different time periods, but they are tied together so beautifully it is clear that this is and can be anyone's story no matter what time period. Gratz alternates chapters between the three families. Chapters are short, and many end with a cliffhanger that help keep any reader hooked. Moving back and forth from one refugee's story does not distract the flow of the stories but helps strengthen the storytelling by showing parallels between these children's lives.

Most importantly, I love how Gratz is able to hit all the emotional points in each of the children's narratives. As a reader, you feel a personal connection to each child and at many times I found myself crying a little in public. It is a touching story that helps remind us that although we may come from different parts of the world in the end we all just want to be safe with our loved ones.

This is one of the must reads of 2017 and it one I highly recommend to any reader from middle school to adulthood. This is one you won't be able to put down.