Refugee: The Graphic Novel
What’s inside...
Told in a vivid, full-color graphic format, Refugee follows three young people forced from their homelands in different eras: Josef, a Jewish boy escaping Nazi Germany in 1939; Isabel, a Cuban girl braving the sea for Miami in 1994; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy fleeing the bombing of Aleppo in 2015. Their parallel journeys of danger, courage, and hope highlight the timeless quest for safety and a place to belong.
Age
9-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mahmoud Bishara
Isabel Fernandez
Josef Landau
Waleed Bishara
Youssef Bishara
Fatima Bishara
Iván Castillo
Geraldo Fernandez
Rachel Landau
Aaron Landau
Ruthie Landau
Mariano Padron (Lito)
Captain Gustav Schroeder
Discussion points
Which character’s decisions felt hardest, and why?
How do borders help or hurt families in the book?
What symbols of hope did you notice in the art?
Could you imagine leaving everything behind overnight?
How do the three endings connect?
Tip: Role play these questions
Trace each journey on a globe together.
Compare the panels’ color tones to mood shifts.
Write a welcome letter as if to Mahmoud’s family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage under adversity
Explanation: Each child confronts life-threatening obstacles yet keeps moving forward.
Real-World Application: Trying new tasks or speaking up against unfairness at school.
Example Lesson: Empathy bridges differences
Explanation: Ruthie welcomes Mahmoud, linking past and present.
Real-World Application: Reaching out to new classmates or neighbors.
Example Lesson: History’s mistakes must be remembered
Explanation: Josef’s story mirrors modern crises, warning against repeating apathy.
Real-World Application: Staying informed and advocating for humane policies.
Example Lesson: Family bonds provide strength
Explanation: Families make sacrifices to protect one another across all timelines.
Real-World Application: Valuing teamwork and support within one’s own family.