Refugee by Alan Gratz

This powerful historical fiction novel weaves together three compelling refugee stories spanning different time periods and continents, following children fleeing Nazi Germany, 1990s Cuba, and modern-day Syria. Gratz masterfully connects these harrowing journeys through themes of courage, resilience, and the universal search for safety, creating an immersive reading experience that brings human rights issues to life for young readers.

What makes this book particularly impactful is how it makes complex global issues accessible through relatable child protagonists, allowing middle grade and young adult readers to develop empathy while understanding historical context. The parallel narratives build tension naturally, keeping readers engaged across all three storylines as they discover the surprising connections between them. This is essential reading for families wanting to discuss immigration, displacement, and what it means to seek refuge in an increasingly interconnected world.