Refugee by Alan Gratz

Summary

Joseph Land, a Jewish man, recounts his family's urgent escape from Nazi Germany. With time running out, they must flee to Cuba amidst riots and starvation. Their ultimate goal is to reach the United States for safety and freedom. Their perilous journey involves crossing borders, enduring an air strike, and seeking refuge in Greece, all while carrying only what fits in their backpacks.

Takeaways

• 👤 Joseph Land is a Jewish individual facing persecution by the Nazis.
• 🏠 Joseph's family is ordered to leave Germany or face imprisonment in a concentration camp.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Joseph is set to meet his father in Hamburg before fleeing.
• 🚢 They plan to board a ship to Cuba, seeking refuge.
• ⚠️ Upon learning of unrest in Cuba, they change their destination to America.
• 💥 An air strike destroys their apartment in Aleppo, leaving them with only their backpacks.
• 🚶‍♂️ They aim to reach the Turkish border to find a smuggler to Greece.
• 🇬🇷 Once in Greece, they hope to be granted refugee status and safety.
• 🌍 The ultimate goal is to reach America for a new life and freedom.
• 📚 The story is available at a Scholastic Book Fair for further reading.

Q & A

Who is Joseph Land?

Joseph Land is a Jewish individual who is forced to leave Germany with his family due to Nazi orders.

Why are Joseph and his family ordered to leave Germany?

They are ordered to leave because they are Jews, and the Nazis are persecuting Jewish people.

What is the consequence if Joseph's family does not leave Germany?

If they do not leave, they will be sent to a concentration camp.

Where are they planning to meet Joseph's father?

They are planning to meet Joseph's father in Hamburg.

Why are they considering Cuba as a destination?

They are considering Cuba as a destination to escape the persecution in Germany.

Why isn't Cuba considered safe anymore according to Joseph's father?

Cuba isn't safe anymore because there are riots throughout Havana and people are starving.

What is their ultimate goal after leaving Germany?

Their ultimate goal is to reach America for safety, freedom, and a new life.

What happens to their apartment in Aleppo?

Their apartment in Aleppo is destroyed by an air strike.

What possessions do they take with them after losing everything?

They take everything they own in their backpacks.

What is their plan to reach the United States?

Their plan is to reach the border of Turkey, find a smuggler to get them into Greece, and then be granted refugee status.

What does the term 'Refugee' mean in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'Refugee' refers to someone who has been forced to leave their country in order to find safety and a new life elsewhere.