Without Refuge
on Goodreads (99)
What’s inside...
Thirteen-year-old Ghalib wishes his life could go back to normal. He wishes he could still hang out at the market with his friends, root for his favorite soccer team, even go to school. But civil war has destroyed his home. As violence rages around them, his family makes the difficult choice to flee Syria. Together they start out on a dangerous journey toward Europe. Along the way, they encounter closely guarded borders, hardscrabble refugee camps, and an ocean crossing that they may not survive. The gripping story of one boy's journey to find refuge pays tribute to struggles millions of Syrians face in today's real-world crisis.
Age
9-13
Length
292 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about Sami's journey in 'Without Refuge'?
How do you think Sami's life changed when he left Syria? What challenges did he face?
Why is friendship important in the book, and how did it help Sami cope with his circumstances?
If you were in Sami’s situation, how do you think you would have reacted to the new environment?
How do you think the story of 'Without Refuge' can help us understand the experiences of refugees around the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Be open and attentive to your child’s responses, showing empathy and understanding to the emotional themes of the book.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences of change or adversity, fostering a deeper personal connection with the narrative.
Highlight the resilience and courage demonstrated by Sami, discussing how these qualities can be inspirational in facing our own challenges.
Use the book as a gateway to discuss broader social issues, such as refugees and global conflicts, to broaden your child's worldview in a sensitive manner.
Reinforce that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions when reading about difficult subjects, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Without Refuge tells the story of a young refugee's struggles and journey, encouraging readers to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing kindness and trying to understand peers who may come from different backgrounds or face challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The protagonist's perseverance in the face of hardship emphasizes the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain strong and hopeful even during difficult times, whether it’s moving to a new city or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: The Value of Family and Community Support
Explanation: The story highlights how crucial family and community are in providing support during tough times, showing that no one has to face problems alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value their own support systems and to contribute to their communities to help others in need.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Acceptance
Explanation: Through the protagonist’s journey, readers explore diverse cultures and the importance of accepting differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace and celebrate different cultures in their classrooms and neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: Importance of Hope and Positive Thinking
Explanation: The book illustrates that maintaining hope can lead to positive outcomes, even in dire situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adopt a hopeful and positive mindset in their own lives, influencing how they face their own challenges.