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shgmclicious's review against another edition
There were a few moments where I was taken out of the story because it was made too obvious that this was an American book for American readers, with lines that had no place in the actual character's stories (e.g. in Mahmoud's story, it all of a sudden says "x dollars in American money," which has no place in fiction). Overall, though, I thought this was a well crafted story, and what I thought I saw coming actually turned out not to be what was coming, so that was refreshing. Definitely a good middle grade read--I have no idea why some people are calling this YA--and with realistic endings, not happily ever after.
a_novel_idea11's review
4.0
This is a moving and powerful story about three kids and their journeys to escape their dangerous circumstances and seek refuge in another part of the world.
Gratz expertly details the horrific conditions Isabel, Josef, and Mahmoud are all facing in their home countries. Though each child lives during a different time period and is trying to escape from a different part of the world, the stories are scarily similar and are sadly relatable even today.
Though this is directed for a young audience, it's still fairly graphic and extremely emotional. Each child has suffered through unimaginable atrocities, lost friends and family, and has experienced more in their short lives than many adults. I probably wouldn't recommend for a youngster under the age of 13.
I loved the connections across the stories, the powerful emotions Gratz evokes, and the descriptions that really brought these plights to life. I also thought the underlying messages of acceptance and respect were really powerful.
I read this novel with a book club and it made for a great discussion, particularly in the current post-Roe climate. The parallels between each story and our current situation were frightening and lead to a lot of really interesting points and topics of conversation.
This book is an excellent reminder that no place or entire race, ethnicity, gender, or religion is inherently evil. At the end of the day, we are all human and we are all connected no matter how different we may seem to be. This novel is also is a great reminder that without learning from our past mistakes, history is doomed to repeat itself.
Gratz expertly details the horrific conditions Isabel, Josef, and Mahmoud are all facing in their home countries. Though each child lives during a different time period and is trying to escape from a different part of the world, the stories are scarily similar and are sadly relatable even today.
Though this is directed for a young audience, it's still fairly graphic and extremely emotional. Each child has suffered through unimaginable atrocities, lost friends and family, and has experienced more in their short lives than many adults. I probably wouldn't recommend for a youngster under the age of 13.
I loved the connections across the stories, the powerful emotions Gratz evokes, and the descriptions that really brought these plights to life. I also thought the underlying messages of acceptance and respect were really powerful.
I read this novel with a book club and it made for a great discussion, particularly in the current post-Roe climate. The parallels between each story and our current situation were frightening and lead to a lot of really interesting points and topics of conversation.
This book is an excellent reminder that no place or entire race, ethnicity, gender, or religion is inherently evil. At the end of the day, we are all human and we are all connected no matter how different we may seem to be. This novel is also is a great reminder that without learning from our past mistakes, history is doomed to repeat itself.
mlhahn's review against another edition
5.0
The way the stories of the three families is woven across time and history is masterful. Such an important book. A reminder that each refugee is an individual with their own very important story and their own gifts and talents that will make a welcoming country/city/school a richer place for having them there. They are an asset, not a deficit.
Read. This. Book.
Read. This. Book.
cammyj's review against another edition
5.0
if i could give this book 10 stars I would.
this story had me hooked from the very begining. The author made you feel like you were right along side these young children as they made their escapes.
i don't want to say too much as it would ruin the book for others. But I frequently found myself covered in goosebumps, holding my breath, or stifling back tears.
absolutely amazing book
this story had me hooked from the very begining. The author made you feel like you were right along side these young children as they made their escapes.
i don't want to say too much as it would ruin the book for others. But I frequently found myself covered in goosebumps, holding my breath, or stifling back tears.
absolutely amazing book
victoriacampbell's review
5.0
I read this book with my 8th grader. It was a powerful lesson for both of us. My hope is that it develops his empathy for those who have to make the kinds of decisions he will never have to make.
readsdreamsplans's review
5.0
What really stood out to me about this book is how similar the refugee crisis looks across decades and cultures. Informative and engrossing. I highly recommend this one, and make sure to read the author's note at the end.
November 2018: I just finished a reread of this for a book club that I help sponsor at school. To read this book in light of our country's own refugee crisis made this reread even more powerful for me.
November 2018: I just finished a reread of this for a book club that I help sponsor at school. To read this book in light of our country's own refugee crisis made this reread even more powerful for me.
rapaciousreader's review
5.0
My classes love this text.
Gripping, edge of your seat endings for almost every chapter keeps this text engaging, and difficult, to put down. Alan Gratz does a magnificent job weaving history into fictional characters’ plot lines, and evoking a range of emotions from the reader. Definitely one of my, and my students’ favorites.
Gripping, edge of your seat endings for almost every chapter keeps this text engaging, and difficult, to put down. Alan Gratz does a magnificent job weaving history into fictional characters’ plot lines, and evoking a range of emotions from the reader. Definitely one of my, and my students’ favorites.