Refugee: The Graphic Novel

by Alan Gratz, Syd Fini (Illustrator)

The timeless #1 New York Times bestseller Refugee is brought to life in a stunning graphic novel adaptation!

JOSEF is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. With the threat of concentration camps looming, he and his family board a ship bound for the other side of the world...

ISABEL is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft, hoping to find safety in America...

MAHMOUD is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe...

All three kids must endure harrowing journeys. All face unimaginable dangers. But there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end.

Refugee is a modern classic that has spent over 5 years on the New York Times bestseller list, and garnered several awards and much acclaim. Brought to life with rich, gorgeous illustrations by artist Syd Fini, this hotly anticipated graphic novel will attract a whole new generation of fans.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, War, Historical, Childrens, Adventure

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Alan Gratz is the bestselling author of a number of novels for young readers. His 2017 novel Refugee has spent more than two years on the New York Times bestseller list, and is the winner of 14 state awards. Its other accolades include the Sydney Taylor Book Award, the National Jewish Book Award, the Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Award, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor, and a Malka Penn Award for Human Rights Honor. Refugee was also a Global Read Aloud Book for 2018.

Alan’s novel Grenade debuted at number three on the New York Times bestseller list, and his most recent book, Allies, debuted at number two on the list and received four starred reviews. His other books include Prisoner B-3087, which was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Readers pick and winner of eight state awards; Projekt 1065, a Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2016 and winner of five state awards; Code of Honor, a YALSA Quick Pick for Young Readers; and Ban This Book, which was featured by Whoopi Goldberg on The View.

Alan has traveled extensively to talk about his books, appearing at schools and book festivals in 39 states and a half-dozen countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Switzerland, and has been a Writer in Residence at Tokyo’s American School in Japan, the James Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, and the Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia.

Alan was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the 1982 World’s Fair. After a carefree but humid childhood, Alan attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing, and, later, a Master’s degree in English education. He now lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina, where he enjoys playing games, eating pizza, and, perhaps not too surprisingly, reading books.

Reviews

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read the original novel so I’ve no idea how it compares but the artwork is well-done and the plot interesting enough.

[Maggie Carr]

I read and highly recommend the original middle grade chapter book Refugee by Alan Gratz frequently. This graphic novel version still brings a lot of the emotion but with using panels & speech bubbles paired with illustrations instead of descriptive paragraphs of text.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and love the traditional format of Alan Gratz’s Refugee, a Texas Bluebonnet award nominee in 2018, I was excited to see a graphic novel adaptation written by Gratz and illustrated by Syd Fini. Although it has been quite some time since I read the original, I believe the ordeals and loss endured by three young refugees from 1939 Germany, 1994 Cuba and 2015 Syria were captured just as clearly in the graphic novel and for those readers who are more visual, maybe even better than in the traditionally formatted novel.

Josef, a Jewish boy fleeing Germany, Hitler and the Nazis with family, Isabel, a young Cuban girl and her family seeking refuge from the poverty and brutal government of Fidel Castro, and Mahmoud and his family seeking freedom from war-torn Syria, all endure hardship on their journeys that reflect actual experiences of actual refugees and Gratz details this fact in his author’s note. The trials experienced by Josef, Isabel and Mahmoud, however, do not reveal as much of the history of their countries during this time as I remember from the novel but the necessity of their flight comes across loud and clear. Even with limited text, Gratz uses dialogue in an effective way and the illustrated panels go even farther in conveying fear, grief and desperation; in fact, until the very end, there is very little outside of those dire feelings but hope does come for all three as connections between are also revealed.

Excellent choice for graphic novel collections in libraries serving readers in grades 4 and up, especially if there is solid circulation in historical fiction. Text is free of profanity and sexual content. The violence experienced by the refugees is historically accurate but is not excessive and is appropriate for the target audience.

Thanks for the print arc, Scholastic and the 2025 Texas Library Association annual conference.

[Lisa Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a great graphic novel adaptation overall, but it is impossible to capture the depth of the original book in a graphic novel format.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pacing of the graphic novel was too quick - it felt like the "Cliff's Notes" version of Refugee.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really, really important book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! An exciting adaptation of Alan Gratz's Refugee. The art really adds to the emotional suffering of the characters. While most of the characters themselves are fictional, their stories are an amalgamation of true stories. 3 of the characters were actually real. I love historical fiction you can really learn from. The way Gratz draws the parallels between all three eras of refugee experiences had a very strong impact. You realize how similar their experiences are and also that not much has changed.

Oppressive governments around the world creating hate and division run people from their homes and the journeys of those people seeking refuge are deadly and unwelcoming. You wonder to yourself how these people can still make it to power after all we have seen and how we can still turn a blind eye to the suffering because we either believe the hate and fear mongering or are too selfish to see our duty to a fellow human. I do see the financial struggles that countries wanting to take in refugees must endure, but I can't help feeling that where there is a will there is a way.


I would give this book to any middle grade or YA reader that loved the I survived books as well as anyone who enjoys historical fiction or wants to learn about these events. The scenarios are accurate compared to many of the nonfiction books I have read. WELL DONE!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As powerful and poignant as it is action-packed and page-turning, the novel is now a graphic novel! This highly acclaimed novel was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than four years and continues to change readers' lives with its meaningful takes on survival, courage, and the quest for home.

Beautiful illustrations by an Iranian illustrator make the heartbreaking stories come alive on the pages. This is an adaption you will not want to miss!

[Amy Hesterman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The original middle-grade novel is such a meaningful, important read. Since I already knew the storyline, it felt incomplete to limit it to that which a graphic novel can provide. I will always recommend the original to the graphic novel version. I want the kids to have its true intended experience.

[Sapphire Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. most gut-wrenching, informative and heartbreaking stories of three children fleeing war and oppressive dictators that intermingle so creatively. highly recommend

[Anna Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough images that demand to be seen. Much like the regular novel, I think this should be required reading!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tough read but well worth the effort.

[Tyra Damm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel Refugee remains one of my favorite historical fiction books. The graphic novel reminded me of some of the details I had forgotten. It pulled me right back in to the lives of three children forced to flee their homes. The images make the stories come to life in a new way — and create an even darker mood. 4.5 stars

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as the original novel, but still a page turner.

[Charter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but weird layout in graphic novel form

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read any of Alan Gratz's historical fiction novels (clearly I need to rectify that) so I thought I'd try out this new graphic novel adaptation of perhaps his most popular book, Refugee. I knew it was going to pack an emotional punch, and it definitely did, but they're such important stories to tell. I love how everything connected at the end.

[Basic B's Guide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for 9+ years of age but note that content can be intense and sensitive.  My boys read this in middle school and I’m pretty sure I did too but a refresher was nice and illustrations tend to deliver a story like this to a whole other level.  Another opportunity to increase awareness and empathy and a timely read for all.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel adaptation of the beloved middle-grade book by Alan Gratz will bring this story and author to a new group of readers. The graphic novel adaptation of Refugee is identical to the original story, enhanced by art and graphics. Like the novel, Refugee is a story that melds the points of view and timelines of three young people: Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud – all refugees in different countries and decades. By the end, the stories come together in a way and shows that people from disparate groups can find peace together.

Josef is a Jewish boy escaping Nazi Germany in 1938-1939, Isabel is a Cuban girl fleeing Havana in 1994, and Mahmoud is a Syrian boy escaping Aleppo in 2015. The story moves seamlessly through each character’s story. In the novel, the points of view are distinguished by chapters, but in the graphic adaptation, the stories blend from panel to panel, using maps and pictures.

The illustrations really bring the stories to life. Judging based on the ARC preview, the color palette has been chosen to enhance the settings and mood. For example, in Isabel’s pages, the colors show Cuba as hazy and golden, like a humid Havana evening. In contrast, Josef’s illustration colors are darker, depicting a raid at night in which Josef’s papa is taken to a concentration camp. The subject matter is heavy, and the expressions show this, as do the background scenes. The visuals show sounds in words, such as “bweep-bweep” for a boat signal and “scre-e-e-e-ch” for branches in the woods, lending depth to the atmospheric action throughout the story. 

The end of the book features an author’s note about the real-life events occurring in the stories of the fictional characters as well as more illustrations and many interesting facts. Finally, Gratz includes a “What You Can Do” section with resources and organizations for readers to learn about. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Tracy Lander · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of three refugees which emotionally end up merges across years and continents.

A Jewish family with a boy called Josef realise that they are unsafe in Germany in 1939. When Josef's father is freed by the Nazis they all board a boat to Cuba. Josef's father is very ill though, tormented by what he has seen. When they reach Cuba the captain tries to get them accepted, but they keep being told tomorrow, tomorrow. A Cuban policeman brings some fun for the children. Eventually they are turned away, the captain promises he won't return them to Germany. They disembark in Belgium, but safety is short.

A Cuban family with a girl, Isabel, are suffering under Fidel Castro's regime in 1994. They decide to join with their neighbours to flee to Florida. Isabel's mother is very pregnant, she needs to have the baby in Florida. But the crossing is harrowing. Blown off course, sharks and coastguards attempt to stop their resolve.

A Syrian family with a boy Mahmoud live in Syria in 2015. His father decides they have to leave. So Mahmoud, his brother Waleed and baby sister Hana and mother and Father embark on a perilous and expensive journey across countries to get to Germany where his father thinks they will be accepted. When they are thrown into water, they try to get on another boat but it is already full. In desperation Mahmoud and his mother ask them to take Hana. She is too small to survive the sea and they ask the strangers to keep her safe till they can get there.

But Isabel's grandfather was a policeman in Cuba and on that boat explains there were people before on a ship being used in a political game. A girl returns to Germany after the war to search for her family. And when Mahmoud and his family make it to Germany, he asks the lady he stays with if she can help find Hana; she explains her story and that of her lost brother, Josef.

Brilliant. Thanks to Rosie at Scholastic for the copy.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic novel adaptation of one of Alan Gratz's historical novels. I haven't read the original version of Refugee, so I can only judge this book on its own merits. There are three POVs here, and we rotate through all of them regularly. In 1939, Josef and his family try to escape Nazi Germany on the MS St. Louis. In 1994, Isabel and her family try to flee Cuba in a small, handmade boat. And in 2015, Mahmoud and his family leave Syria in hopes of reaching Germany. Each time we swap POV, the first panel is a map that shows how far this group of characters have traveled, which makes it easy to remember whose POV you're about to start on. Each group faces its own particular hardships, and none of the stories end perfectly happily. There's always some kind of price to pay. At the end, the three stories lightly intertwine. This feels less obtrusive and more believable than I might have guessed, especially when connecting Josef and Isabel. The ending is also really emotional, which it certainly should be. The book wraps up with a few pages talking about Gratz's research and inspiration, something that I think every historical graphic novel should have. Both writing and art are clear and easily digestible without feeling simplistic, and I hope this leads to more adaptations of Gratz's work. The one thing that I would change, which I know is a huge ask, would be for the three different timelines to be illustrated by different artists, or in a slightly different style. I think that would have really given each timeline its own character.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a troubling tale, three stories of children fleeing war and persecution throughout the last 100 years. The stories connect at the end and the reader is given a glimpse inside what it is like to leave your home, your friends and often famiky members, your things, and your culture to flee to another place where you are a stranger, and often not welcome.

It depicts the horrors of war, both physically and mentally, but in an age-appropriate way for middle grade readers. The stories are devastating and heartbreaking, but ends with a note of hope, encouraging us to help agencies that support refugee children and be sympathetic to their plight.

interesting quote:

"Maybe that's what becoming a man means, not relying on your father anymore. " (p. 27)

"They only see us when we do something they don't want us to do. When we stay where we're supposed to be -- in a refugee camp, or the ruins of Aleppo -- other people can forget about us. But when refugees do something they don't want us to do -- that's when people can't ignore us any longer. My first instinct is to disappear. Be invisible. Being invisible in Syria kept me alive. But I wonder if being invisible in Europe might be the death of me and my family. If no one can see us, no one can help us. And maybe the world needs to see what's really happening here." (p. 108)

"I see it now, Chabela. All of it. The past, the present, the future. All my life, I kept waiting for things to get better. For the bright promise of mañana. But a funny thing happened while I was waiting for the world to change. It didn't because I didn't change it." (p.127)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember how fast I tore through the original version of this book. It tells the stories of three diferent refugees from three different eras: Josef from 1938 in Nazi Germany, Isabel from 1994 in Castro’s Cuba, and Mahmoud from 2015 in Assad’s Syria. I recall how the characters and their situations leapt off the pages and I could imagine the story as if it were a movie playing in my head. The artist for this soon to be released graphic adaptation must have seen the same movie I did because it’s exactly as I imagined it.
This adaptation stays pretty true to the original story, with only some quickening of the pace to keep the action moving. Readers who loved the original will enjoy this version as a different way to examine the story. Readers who haven’t yet read the narrative version will find this one to be an excellent starting point for further research on the people and places mentioned or perhaps a bridge to tackle the longer version.
The images intersperse maps and narration with character dialogue in panels that pull no emotional punches. Scenes from the original novel that are so heartbreaking (you know the ones) are somehow even more poignant as barely narrated panels.
This adaptation is not only going to be a HIGHLY popular addition to our classroom library, it’s going to make this magnificent novel more widely accessible. Well done!
On sale from Scholastic : September 16, 2025
Preorder from your favorite indie bookseller!

[Rick Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The strategy of running three narratives concurrently is understandable, given that each one is focused on the plight of refugee child, desperate to escape dire circumstances in their home country that is no longer home to them, but it all ends up being a little too unfocused. As the panels switch from Josef in 1938 to Isabel in 1994 to Mahmoud in 2015, it occasionally gets a bit muddled, particularly when the kids find themselves on boats or actually in the water and I had to flip back to remind myself of where and when this was happening. Okay, that's probably on me. The melding of the narratives at the end--Lito is the same policeman who entertained the Jewish refugees on the St. Louis and Ruthie winds up fostering Waleed's family in Germany--is a teeny bit forced, but it is again understandable that Gratz wants to show that wherever whenever whoever--it's all the same story and the same desperation and the same need for kindness and intervention against bureaucratic and political malice.
The illustrations are really quite excellent and serve, as they do in the best graphic novels, to complement the story with occasionally very striking visuals. When Mahmoud's family find themselves on Lesbos, the juxtaposition of the luxurious ferry with the refugee tent city is a memorable moment.
Generally, it's a worthwhile book, but there is a sense that it's all being used to make its own political point and sell the book rather than focus on the people. Admittedly, the two are pretty closely entangled.

[Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intense read about 3 different kids in 3 different time periods seeking refuge with their families, and it’s actually the graphic novel adaptation that just came out this past year for the novel of the same name that came out in 2017. I’ve read some really great reviews of the novel version, and after reading this iteration and seeing how harrowing the story is, I can def imagine how impactful the novel will be as well.

I read this for one of my library school classes, and the discussion was interesting because it was definitely one of the favorites of the class readings this month among my peers. I do think that maybe this iteration is lacking a bit in terms of impact compared to the novel, from what my professor said, but it was very clearly well researched in both content and the references in the illustrations.

Speaking of, the illustrations and the way the three stories wove together were really emotionally effective. It also doesn’t shy away from the heartbreaking realities of these characters’ experiences, and I do think that could lead to some engaging conversations with younger readers. There were sweet moments, such as the music, one of the father’s dad jokes, or the overall sense of hope, that helped the story from being too bleak.

I’ve really loved getting to explore some more serious graphic novels for young readers!

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories of three teens: Josef in 1939 Germany, Isabel in 1994 Cuba, and Mahmoud from 2015 Aleppo, are twisted together in this tale of strength, determination, and harrowing adventures.

It's a hard read today, when the world, when our country is so unsettled and divided. I really need to read 'happier' books. Yet, this is an important read for today!

Josef and his family escape from Nazi Germany in a time when no one, especially Jews, are safe from capture and death.

Havana Cuba where Isabel lives with her father and grandfather is erupting in turmoil and chaos. It’s a time of upheaval, of violence. And Isabel is determined to escape from the island to America.

Mahmoud and his family are trapped amidst bombs and warfare in 2015 Aleppo Syria.

Will these intrepid teens overcome their fears and find a place of refuge where they can live free from violence and hatred?

Alan Gratz translates his gripping, three-fold, story “Refugee” into an engaging Graphic Novel with every panel bringing the lives of the teens to life.

“Refugee” is a vivid portrayal of times of upheaval that will speak to teens and adults alike and a warning of what happens when evil rules the world.

Thanks to Graphix, a division of Scholastic http://www.scholastic.com for an ARC to read and review

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

Refugee: The Graphic Novel by Alan Gratz is a graphic novel about three young refugees searching for safety and freedom and the invisible thread that connects them.

Josef is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany with his family. When his father is captured and released from a concentration camp, the family decides they need to leave the country. They find safe passage and board a ship to Cuba on the other side of the world.

Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994. The country is plagued by riots and political unrest. She and her family set out on a raft after her father was beaten for participating in a political demonstration. They hope to find safety in America.

Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015, and his homeland is being destroyed by violence and war. After a missile destroys their home and nearly kills them, he and his family decide to emigrate to Europe.

The graphic novel is beautifully written and illustrated. It alternates among each child’s point of view. The author and illustrator do a great job showing their emotional and harrowing journey, filled with dangers. It is an informative and timely read that helps young readers develop empathy and understanding for others.

[Sams_Fireside · Rating 4 out of 5]

’That’s when I know. This isn’t just where we’ll live. This feels like a home.’

Graphic novels aren’t usually my go-to 📚, but the story sounded like my kind of read—and I knew my grandson would love it too 💛.

Josef in 1930s Germany, Isabel in 1994 Cuba, and Mahmoud in 2015 Syria all face immense challenges and heartbreak, driven by the same goal: survival 💔. While they are fictional characters, the story is rooted in real historical events 🌍.

I later discovered this was originally published as a traditional novel, which I’ve now added to my TBR 📖 and know I’ll enjoy. That said, the graphic version is incredibly well done. The artwork is phenomenal 🎨 and captures the emotional weight of the story beautifully. As an educational tool, I can see this being especially effective for teens interested in historical fiction, showing how children their own age have faced extraordinary difficulties in different times and places ✨.

Thank you to Scholastic UK for the gifted copy of Refugee, The Graphic novel by Alan Gratz, illustrated by Sid Fini.

[Alicia Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graphics artwork is illustrated wonderfully with brilliant colors. Four stories cycling. The book matches the chapter book with fewer words. I read this after the chapter book to pick up what I visually missed. It’s slightly sad because more than one child dies and another lost in search to be found. But some stories were happy to and this was the way life was for many folks and to be carried through each family’s story was a journey I wont forget. Great book and I recommend it, excellent history information inside and brought memories to me as a child when I made a friend from Turkey in the 1990s who’d just moved to the US with her family. To take a peek inside the history of how it was for that family is scary and am glad I had a chance to make a friend during those tough times. The times where people needed to unite from different cultures to expand life’s journey and the next generation.

[Lannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars. My kids read the chapter book version in class so when I saw there was a graphic novel version I wanted to read it to see what the kids had read about. It was very impactful, particularly as a child of refugees. It’s pretty nuanced for a middle grade book, and there are interesting points of comparison between the 3 settings and timelines (Germany fleeing to Cuba in 1930s, Cuba fleeing to US in 1990s, and Syria fleeing to Germany in 2010s). The connecting theme was surprising, organic, and heartfelt. It makes me want to now read the chapter book and explore Gratz’s other middle grade historical fiction (which honestly was not a genre I knew existed until now). His author’s note also highly elevates his novel as they pull from real refugee stories, and even some real individual figures named in his book.

Highly recommend as a family read, great discussion points, especially because the intertwining stories have varying degrees of “success” but all have too large a cost.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually love these adaptations to graphic novels but this one, I didn’t. I had a hard time following each of the individual stories at times even though the stories were so different. It also felt like the story was rushed, the story felt like it had some gaps and didn’t flow like I thought it should.

Each of these three children were experiencing turmoil, a need to flee from their home. I liked that almost everything about each of their escapes was unique. From their reason for fleeing, their transportation, who they were traveling with, the difficulties they faced on their journey, and how their journeys began. None of their journeys were easy.

I’ve read the novel that this book was taken from, and I feel that this adaptation has suppressed the emotions, energy, and power that the book possessed. The illustrations are good and they help but they don’t make up for what I feel is missing. 3.5 stars