Refugee
Alan Gratz
Readers rate it 5.0 (1 on Google Books) · 4.2 (56 on Hardcover)
- Published
- 2017
Content report card
What's inside
Violence
Fighting, weapons, death
Language
Swearing, crude humor
Sexual content
Romance intensity, nudity
LGBTQ+ themes
Presence of characters or themes
Scary or mature
Horror, trauma, heavy themes
Substance use
Alcohol, drugs, smoking
What it offers
Positive messages
Kindness, courage, honesty, resilience
Positive role models
Characters who model good judgment and growth
Educational value
History, science, culture, how the world works
A note for parents
Refugee tells interconnected stories of children fleeing war and persecution across different time periods (including the Holocaust, Cold War, and contemporary refugee crises), so violence and mature themes are present but not graphically depicted. The book emphasizes resilience, hope, and human compassion while honestly portraying the dangers and trauma of displacement, making it suitable for mature middle-grade readers and above. Parents should know this is emotionally heavy and deals with serious historical injustices, but Gratz handles these themes thoughtfully without glorifying violence. It's an excellent choice for discussing empathy, history, and global citizenship.
Analyzed by AI · 1 hour ago
Parent age guide
Is “Refugee” right for your kid?
Ready from about age 10.
From about 9, okay with a grown-up nearby.
For younger readers
- Violence is moderate (3/5) — a bit much at 9; fine with a grown-up nearby.
- Scary or mature content is moderate (3/5) — a bit much at 9; fine with a grown-up nearby.
- Suggested for ages 10+.
Based on this book's content report card and typical guidance by age. You know your reader best.
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From the publisher
A tour de force from the acclaimed author of "Prisoner B-3087, " this timely and powerful novel tells the story of three different children seeking refuge. Although they are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections tie their stories together in the end. A tour de force from the acclaimed author of "Prisoner B-3087, " this timely and powerful novel tells the story of three different children seeking refuge. Although they are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections tie their stories together in the end.
Shelved under
- FICTION
- Diverse Characters
- Strong Character Development
- A mix driven
- Loveable Characters
- tense
- inspiring
- emotional
- dark
- Adventure
- Young Adult
- Juvenile Fiction
ISBN 9780545880831