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Refugee (2017)

Author: Jason Reynolds
Type: Novel · Contemporary realistic fiction
FPS Group: Group 1 — FPS Required
Era/Period: Contemporary — 21st century
ELA Standards: 9-10.R.8 · 9-10.R.9
USH Standards: US.6_12.7 · WH.6_12.4
Copyright: Copyrighted — excerpt only

What This Text Is About

Refugee is a powerful and moving novel by Jason Reynolds, published in 2017. It tells the stories of three young people who are refugees from different times but share the common experience of fleeing their homes due to political persecution or war. Through their journeys, readers learn about the struggles faced by individuals seeking safety and freedom. The book was written as a response to the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015-16, which highlighted the need for empathy and understanding towards those who are forced from their homes.

The novel follows Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud as they navigate through dangerous situations filled with uncertainty and hope. Each character's story provides a unique perspective on what it means to be a refugee, reflecting both personal resilience and societal indifference. By interweaving these stories, Reynolds creates a narrative that is not only emotionally engaging but also thought-provoking.

Read It

Copyrighted — excerpt only.

"Mahmoud felt the plane's turbulence as he clung tightly to his mother’s hand. The sky was dark outside the tiny window next to him, and the sounds of engines were overwhelming. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes darted around the small space, taking in everything but also trying to avoid seeing too much. His mind was racing with thoughts: Am I going to be okay? Will we make it out safely? When will this end?"

Full text available in most school libraries.

Why This Text Matters

Refugee holds significant literary and historical value, as it sheds light on the often-overlooked stories of refugees across different eras. By weaving together the narratives of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, Reynolds provides a comprehensive look at the human side of political upheaval and displacement. The book encourages readers to empathize with those facing similar situations today by connecting historical events to contemporary issues.

Understanding the context behind each character's journey helps students grasp how international policies and attitudes towards refugees have evolved—and sometimes remained unchanged—over time. This novel not only highlights the resilience of individuals but also underscores the importance of compassion in times of crisis.

ELA Standards Connection

Standard Connection
9-10.R.8 Students can analyze how Reynolds uses structure to interweave multiple narratives, which contributes to the novel's themes and overall impact.
9-10.R.9 Through Mahmoud’s journey, students can explore arguments about contemporary refugee policies and discuss whether these policies are justifiable based on historical precedents like Josef's and Isabel's stories.
9-10.W.4 Students could write an essay analyzing the effects of governmental policies on refugees using specific examples from the text to support their claims.

Social Studies Connection

The novel connects specifically to historical events such as the MS St. Louis incident in 1939, where Jewish refugees were denied entry by Cuba and the US; Castro's rise to power and the Mariel boatlift in 1994; and the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. Each of these events has shaped current refugee policies and public perception, making them relevant topics for discussion in a social studies context.

Key Vocabulary

  • Refugee: A person who flees their country because of persecution, war, or violence.
  • Turbulence: Unstable conditions in the air that can cause an aircraft to shake.
  • Displacement: Being forced from one's home due to conflict or natural disasters.
  • Compassion: Deep sympathy and concern for others suffering.
  • Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.

Studio Ideas

  1. Write an argumentative essay about whether governments should prioritize accepting refugees based on historical precedents like the MS St. Louis incident.
  2. Create a timeline comparing key events from Josef's, Isabel’s, and Mahmoud’s journeys with major political shifts that occurred during their respective time periods.
  3. Imagine you are one of the three protagonists. Write a letter to someone explaining why leaving your home was necessary.

Pairs With

Why This Is Relevant Today?

In today’s world, the Syrian refugee crisis continues to be a pressing issue, along with new challenges like climate change-induced migration. Understanding historical parallels helps students see how past events can inform current debates and policies. The novel encourages readers to engage critically with contemporary politics by drawing connections between historical contexts and modern-day situations.

ELA Reading Library · SDA Commons · South High School