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Flight: A Story of Seeking Refuge
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz comes a gripping, timely, 96-page bonus story about one girl's treacherous immigration journey that can be read alongside the novel Two Degrees, or on its own.Daniela López is on a life-or-death journey.Forced to flee their beloved home in Honduras, Dani and her family were headed north in search of safety--until a treacherous mistake ripped Dani's parents away. Now, Dani and her younger brother Carlos are on their own, and they have no choice but to keep going, in the desperate hope of finding their parents at the Mexico-United States border.But to get there, they will have to ride on top of a roaring freight train known as "The Beast."Rickety and deadly, The Beast makes hairpin turns at terrifying speeds and shoots through dark tunnels. And there is the constant danger of being caught by gangs and kidnappers along the way.Surrounded by hundreds of fellow refugees, Daniela will have to figure out who she can and cannot trust--and fast. Otherwise, she and Carlos might not stand a chance of surviving...From #1 New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz (Refugee; Two Degrees) this timely original story, sensitively told, gives today's readers an accessible and gripping look at the immigrant experience and the courage it takes to start over.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Alan Gratz
68 books5,126 followersAlan 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 23, 2026
A story of holding onto hope and doing the best you can despite being very afraid and having lots of uncertainty.
October 5, 2026
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
This short novel showcases the struggle of Daniela Lopez, whom we meet briefly at the end of Gratz's novel about climate change, Two Degrees. After climate change has caused the coffee crop in Honduras to fail, Daniela and her parents and younger brother Carlos have moved to San Pedro Sula. There, the mother runs into trouble, and is told that if she and her family don't leave, they could be killed. They plan to go to the US, and get as far as Mexico City, but are kidnapped after asking for help. They eventually break free, but the children are separated from the parents. Earlier, the parents had told them that if this were to happen, they should meet up in Ciudad Juarez. It's a thousand mile trip, and Daniela decides that she and Carlos should get on the top of a train (The Beast) and ride to the border. It's a perilous journey, and starts with Daniela almost failing to join her brother on the train. She decides to masquerade as a boy for her own safety, and even has Senora Alvarez, whom she has decided to trust, cut her hair. There are many dangers, like avoiding la migra at El Caldero and having to get off the train, riding through tunnels, and battling more kidnappers. Sometimes, people are trustworthy and kind, like David Pachecho, who grew up in the US and even joined the army before being deported due to a minor drug charge. The two children eventually make it to Ciudad Juarez, and seek help from a church to find their parents. Will they be reunited and able to travel into the US?
This was a harrowing tale, and one which is no doubt repeated every day as people suffering in countries south of the US border try to find a way to a better life. Daniela is a resilient character who is determined to take care of her brother and find her parents, no matter how difficult it may be to do these things. It was good to see that there were kind people along the way, like Senora Alvarez and David Pachecho, and seeing their struggles made it all the more amazing that they were able to be kind to others.
Gratz's work is popular with my students, but generally much longer, so this short book will be an attractive choice. There are descriptions of Gratz's other books at the end of this one, which will help readers find more titles. I do enjoy the fact that all of the covers have a similar style.
This is a great choice to help young readers see different experiences and to help them build empathy. Add it to titles like Meikle,'s My Name is Samim, Burgess's Danilo Was Here , Athaide's Wings to Soar, Cisneros' Efren Divided, Diaz's Santiago's Road Home, and Anta's Frontera for a look at the immigrant experience across the world and different time periods.
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This short novel showcases the struggle of Daniela Lopez, whom we meet briefly at the end of Gratz's novel about climate change, Two Degrees. After climate change has caused the coffee crop in Honduras to fail, Daniela and her parents and younger brother Carlos have moved to San Pedro Sula. There, the mother runs into trouble, and is told that if she and her family don't leave, they could be killed. They plan to go to the US, and get as far as Mexico City, but are kidnapped after asking for help. They eventually break free, but the children are separated from the parents. Earlier, the parents had told them that if this were to happen, they should meet up in Ciudad Juarez. It's a thousand mile trip, and Daniela decides that she and Carlos should get on the top of a train (The Beast) and ride to the border. It's a perilous journey, and starts with Daniela almost failing to join her brother on the train. She decides to masquerade as a boy for her own safety, and even has Senora Alvarez, whom she has decided to trust, cut her hair. There are many dangers, like avoiding la migra at El Caldero and having to get off the train, riding through tunnels, and battling more kidnappers. Sometimes, people are trustworthy and kind, like David Pachecho, who grew up in the US and even joined the army before being deported due to a minor drug charge. The two children eventually make it to Ciudad Juarez, and seek help from a church to find their parents. Will they be reunited and able to travel into the US?
This was a harrowing tale, and one which is no doubt repeated every day as people suffering in countries south of the US border try to find a way to a better life. Daniela is a resilient character who is determined to take care of her brother and find her parents, no matter how difficult it may be to do these things. It was good to see that there were kind people along the way, like Senora Alvarez and David Pachecho, and seeing their struggles made it all the more amazing that they were able to be kind to others.
Gratz's work is popular with my students, but generally much longer, so this short book will be an attractive choice. There are descriptions of Gratz's other books at the end of this one, which will help readers find more titles. I do enjoy the fact that all of the covers have a similar style.
This is a great choice to help young readers see different experiences and to help them build empathy. Add it to titles like Meikle,'s My Name is Samim, Burgess's Danilo Was Here , Athaide's Wings to Soar, Cisneros' Efren Divided, Diaz's Santiago's Road Home, and Anta's Frontera for a look at the immigrant experience across the world and different time periods.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
October 21, 2026
A easy to read, fast paced novella for middle school kids. My daughter read and loved this book and wanted me to read it, too.
November 11, 2026
It's a fast read, but I hate the politics behind it. I really don't think children should be reading books with such a strong political message at this age.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A MG #shortstory from @alan.gratz that brings back a character you may recognize from Two Degrees.
🚂
After being separated from their parents while fleeing Honduras, Daniela and her younger brother Carlos must continue their dangerous journey alone toward the U.S. border. Riding atop the deadly freight train known as The Beast, they face constant danger from the train itself to gangs and kidnappers while learning who they can trust in a fight to survive and reunite their family.
🚂
Although only 96 pages, this story packs quite a punch! The peril and terror migrants face on a daily basis to get somewhere they can be safe is so difficult to even imagine. This story brings their experiences to light (I didn’t even know all this info about The Beast until reading this book!) Thanks Alan for always sharing stories from around the world and bringing important issues to light. This title releases September 1 from @scholastic
CW: immigration, death, violence, knife and gun violence, abandonment, missing children, police brutality
🚂
After being separated from their parents while fleeing Honduras, Daniela and her younger brother Carlos must continue their dangerous journey alone toward the U.S. border. Riding atop the deadly freight train known as The Beast, they face constant danger from the train itself to gangs and kidnappers while learning who they can trust in a fight to survive and reunite their family.
🚂
Although only 96 pages, this story packs quite a punch! The peril and terror migrants face on a daily basis to get somewhere they can be safe is so difficult to even imagine. This story brings their experiences to light (I didn’t even know all this info about The Beast until reading this book!) Thanks Alan for always sharing stories from around the world and bringing important issues to light. This title releases September 1 from @scholastic
CW: immigration, death, violence, knife and gun violence, abandonment, missing children, police brutality
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
When Alan Gratz wrote his book Two Degrees, he originally had Daniela Lopez and her own unique story of how climate change impacted her life included with the stories of Akira, Natalie, Owen and George. But the page count was too long so Gratz left a bit of a tease in the final chapters of the book and hoped to one day tell her story. Flight is that story of Honduran Dani and her family are forced to abandon their coffee bean farm in the mountains when rising temperatures allow a fungus to grow and kill the fragile plants. When gangs in their new home threaten to kill them after Dani’s mom gives a witness statement about a murder, she, her parents and younger brother Carlos decide to head to the United States via Mexico but once again, tragedy thwarts their plans and the children are separated from their parents and forced to head by themselves atop a speeding train to a town on the border between the two countries. The dangers, both from the conditions on the train as well as other refugees and various nefarious groups, abound, but Dani finds a way to protect the two of them and reach their destination.
Much of Dani and Carlos’ experiences are based on facts learned by Gratz as he researched real life scenarios of those who have also embarked on a hopeful journey north. Names of places are sometimes changed and certainly the names of characters in his book are fictional, but readers are likely to gain new understanding of possible reasons for those who attempt to immigrate to the United States via legal and illegal methods. The action is near non-stop and with the low page of 96, even those with low reading stamina are likely to finish this one. Be warned, though. Some will be disappointed that while Dani and Carlos’ story ends with a feeling of hope, it is definitely left unfinished!
Bonus material is included at the book’s end—Background on Gratz’s intention to include Dani in Two Degrees as well as brief summaries of many of Gratz’s other historical fiction, action/adventure titles such as Heroes, Refugee (traditional format as well as graphic novel), Allies and its novella Resist, and War Games.
*Target age: grades 4 and up
*Profanity: none
*Sexual content: It is possible that questions may arise among some readers about why Dani is so careful to hide the fact she is female and why young girls were separated and transported some place different than the others but neither sexual abuse nor forced prostitution is mentioned.
*Violence: Threats of physical harm, kidnappers who use guns and other weapons to subdue their targets, a resistance by immigrants against kidnappers results in several being tossed off the train to likely deaths, etc. None of the violence is overly graphic and is appropriate to both the subject and the target audience.
*Representation: Characters are primarily from Central America or Mexico.
*LBGTQ+: none
Much of Dani and Carlos’ experiences are based on facts learned by Gratz as he researched real life scenarios of those who have also embarked on a hopeful journey north. Names of places are sometimes changed and certainly the names of characters in his book are fictional, but readers are likely to gain new understanding of possible reasons for those who attempt to immigrate to the United States via legal and illegal methods. The action is near non-stop and with the low page of 96, even those with low reading stamina are likely to finish this one. Be warned, though. Some will be disappointed that while Dani and Carlos’ story ends with a feeling of hope, it is definitely left unfinished!
Bonus material is included at the book’s end—Background on Gratz’s intention to include Dani in Two Degrees as well as brief summaries of many of Gratz’s other historical fiction, action/adventure titles such as Heroes, Refugee (traditional format as well as graphic novel), Allies and its novella Resist, and War Games.
*Target age: grades 4 and up
*Profanity: none
*Sexual content: It is possible that questions may arise among some readers about why Dani is so careful to hide the fact she is female and why young girls were separated and transported some place different than the others but neither sexual abuse nor forced prostitution is mentioned.
*Violence: Threats of physical harm, kidnappers who use guns and other weapons to subdue their targets, a resistance by immigrants against kidnappers results in several being tossed off the train to likely deaths, etc. None of the violence is overly graphic and is appropriate to both the subject and the target audience.
*Representation: Characters are primarily from Central America or Mexico.
*LBGTQ+: none
October 1, 2026
This story is called Flight because a monarch butterfly migrates from Mexico to the United States. In this case, the butterfly (Catracho) is carried in a jar by a little boy and his sister, who are heading to the border on a freight train they call "the beast". They're heading to the border because the kids were separated from their parents and that's where they were to meet up. They came from a coffee growing farm in Honduras, but the land hadn't been able to succeed anymore, so they moved on. Along the way, there are all kinds of dangerous bad guys, which is the reason they were separated from their parents.
Dani (Daniela), the main character is described as a 13 year old girl, who is trying to look like a boy, wearing boy clothes and a hat. It's safer to travel appearing to be a boy to avoid unwanted attention. Never in the book does Dani look like a girl. However, the picture on the cover clearly depicts a hatless girl next to the train, whose clothes wouldn't fool anyone into thinking she's a boy.
This book portrays the many dangers in Mexico of gangs, cartels, and kidnappers. The best part of the book is where Dani and some others stand up against some of these treacherous armed bullies.
Dani (Daniela), the main character is described as a 13 year old girl, who is trying to look like a boy, wearing boy clothes and a hat. It's safer to travel appearing to be a boy to avoid unwanted attention. Never in the book does Dani look like a girl. However, the picture on the cover clearly depicts a hatless girl next to the train, whose clothes wouldn't fool anyone into thinking she's a boy.
This book portrays the many dangers in Mexico of gangs, cartels, and kidnappers. The best part of the book is where Dani and some others stand up against some of these treacherous armed bullies.
Read
August 3, 2026Alan Gratz does not disappoint in his latest book! Daniela who is 13 years old and her nine year old brother, Carlos got separated from their parents while fleeing their home in Honduras heading to the United States. The story starts out in Central Mexico how Daniela, now Daniel, posing as a boy to help keep her safe, are riding on top of trains along with others heading the same way. They need to travel 1,000 miles to get to the border, all while riding on top of trains.
A shorter book and a very fast read! Alan Gratz books are not meant to be put done! A great read aloud for classrooms.
A must-have for all libraries, especially if you have other Alan Gratz titles.
#AlanGratz #Flight #FlightAStoryOfSeekingRefuge #NewRelease #ReadABook #ReadThisBook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss #Goodreads #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians
A shorter book and a very fast read! Alan Gratz books are not meant to be put done! A great read aloud for classrooms.
A must-have for all libraries, especially if you have other Alan Gratz titles.
#AlanGratz #Flight #FlightAStoryOfSeekingRefuge #NewRelease #ReadABook #ReadThisBook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss #Goodreads #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
13yo Dani and 9yo Carlos are fleeing for their lives aboard The Beast, the train that can take them all the way to America. Their small Honduran coffee farm used to be prosperous until climate change brought new diseases. Then they had to flee the city when they became the targets of local gangs. Dani disguises herself as a boy to keep attention away and she and Carlos will have to be very careful of whom they befriend on their harrowing journey.
More short story than novella - it needed to be included as part of Gratz’s Two Degrees book. Gratz is honest about the dangers people face as they try to flee violence to a place of safety without roaming in to graphic, mature content. I just wish it had another 50 pages for more depth.
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
13yo Dani and 9yo Carlos are fleeing for their lives aboard The Beast, the train that can take them all the way to America. Their small Honduran coffee farm used to be prosperous until climate change brought new diseases. Then they had to flee the city when they became the targets of local gangs. Dani disguises herself as a boy to keep attention away and she and Carlos will have to be very careful of whom they befriend on their harrowing journey.
More short story than novella - it needed to be included as part of Gratz’s Two Degrees book. Gratz is honest about the dangers people face as they try to flee violence to a place of safety without roaming in to graphic, mature content. I just wish it had another 50 pages for more depth.
November 15, 2026
This short story is an empathy builder for MG or YA students as well as their adults. It helps you see the immigration/refugee plight from a different point of view- the side of someone seeking asylum, protection and safety for themselves and their family. It is hard to read and hear, and sometimes felt a little political. However, we know it happens. It's real. Hard or not- it's reality.
Young children having to be in charge of other children, parents separated from their children, people taking advantage of the desperation of those seeking a better life, and most importantly- those trying to help. As Mr. Rogers said, look for the helpers.
I've enjoyed Gratz's books in the past and this novella is no exception. Be aware that there is danger and violence an although it is handle gently, you may want to read it before sharing it with children younger that 10 or so.
Young children having to be in charge of other children, parents separated from their children, people taking advantage of the desperation of those seeking a better life, and most importantly- those trying to help. As Mr. Rogers said, look for the helpers.
I've enjoyed Gratz's books in the past and this novella is no exception. Be aware that there is danger and violence an although it is handle gently, you may want to read it before sharing it with children younger that 10 or so.
September 26, 2026
As a middle school teacher, I’ve read quite a few Alan Gratz books. The media center at my school is reading his latest, Flight. After reading it, Gratz is going to Zoom in for a talk with the kids!
The plot: Dani and her brother Carlos are Honduran refugees who have been separated from their parents. They are riding on the roof of The Beast, a train that runs from Honduras to Juarez, Mexico. They encounter gangs, kidnappers, coyotes, dark tunnels, the elements, and Trump’s wall.
Flight is more of a novella than a novel. At the end, Gratz reveals that this story was actually part of a previous book that had to be trimmed down. That, to me, made this story feel a bit . . . lacking to me. That being said, I really liked the message of the novel and hope my students read it.
The plot: Dani and her brother Carlos are Honduran refugees who have been separated from their parents. They are riding on the roof of The Beast, a train that runs from Honduras to Juarez, Mexico. They encounter gangs, kidnappers, coyotes, dark tunnels, the elements, and Trump’s wall.
Flight is more of a novella than a novel. At the end, Gratz reveals that this story was actually part of a previous book that had to be trimmed down. That, to me, made this story feel a bit . . . lacking to me. That being said, I really liked the message of the novel and hope my students read it.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Dani and Carlos face murderous gangs, kidnappings, hunger, cold, fear, loneliness, and more as they search for their parents. Gratz doesn’t mince words, and his descriptions are very intense. Millions attempt the same journey. Thousands die, while cartels kidnap thousands more to extort, rape, murder, torture, or recruit for forced labor. “Flight” brings humanity to the reasons for why so many make the very dangerous trip to enter the United States. Read more on my blog about this ARC I was sent by the publisher in exchange for an honest review: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
October 31, 2026
Alan agratz has been one of my favorite authors. I pride myself saying I’ve read every book written by him. This book though was a disappointment. Maybe he should have added this to 2° as a fifth story, as it aligned with the climate theme of that book.
As we travel with Danny and Carlos on the beast, towards El Norte, we only feel or encounter some of the struggles they both go through. I know the author wants to keep it PG so he probably refrained drom sharing much of the struggles, they went through in that circumstance. The end was abrupt, and I was surprised that was all the story was.
I was looking forward to reading this book for a few days, but finished it in an hour. The story normalizes people entering USA in illegal methods which I feel uncomfortable about. Are the sacrifices, struggles and life loss necessary? The corruption down in South America is appalling, knowing police are also part of it is very sad. I hope that is another solution for people in South America than taking such huge life endangering adventures to come to America.
I would call this booking addendum to 2°. That way it is assuages my disappointment.
As we travel with Danny and Carlos on the beast, towards El Norte, we only feel or encounter some of the struggles they both go through. I know the author wants to keep it PG so he probably refrained drom sharing much of the struggles, they went through in that circumstance. The end was abrupt, and I was surprised that was all the story was.
I was looking forward to reading this book for a few days, but finished it in an hour. The story normalizes people entering USA in illegal methods which I feel uncomfortable about. Are the sacrifices, struggles and life loss necessary? The corruption down in South America is appalling, knowing police are also part of it is very sad. I hope that is another solution for people in South America than taking such huge life endangering adventures to come to America.
I would call this booking addendum to 2°. That way it is assuages my disappointment.
September 3, 2026
I loved that this short story grew from an Easter egg in Two Degrees! Gratz didn’t have room to tell Daniela and her brother’s story there, so they get their own novella. ❤️ This is a quick, gripping read that honestly portrays the dangers refugees can face while fleeing violence and searching for safety, without becoming graphic or too mature for middle grade readers. I did wish there had been more depth, but the short length makes this a great choice for reluctant readers who need an action-packed historical fiction read.
September 22, 2026
Flight is the story of Daniela and her brother, Carlos. Climate change has destroyed the small family ranch where they raised coffee in the mountains. Mama, Papa, Daniela, and Carlos flee Honduras for El Norte. However on the way, Dani and her brother are separated from their parents. Riding the top of a train, “The Beast”, they travel through numerous dangers to try to reach Ciudad Juarez, their original goal as a family. The heartbreaking setbacks, and continued dangers would be daunting for most adults, much less two kids. A thought-provoking tale for adults and kids!
October 3, 2026
As somebody who grew up in Ciudad Juarez and frequently crossed the border in the middle of the desert, this book hit close to home. I love Dani's character and how the book explores her trust issues. She takes on being the responsible, protective older sister because she has to, and I think many older siblings, such as myself, could relate.
Also, the seesaw detail made me cry. Gratz did his research for sure!!
Also, the seesaw detail made me cry. Gratz did his research for sure!!
September 23, 2026
Great short story of people from central America and Mexico attempting to hop on trains to travel north into the United States. Includes Dani, a young girl posing as a boy and her brother Carlos. Gives background strories as to many of the reasons people attempt these dangerous journeys and the perils that are possible along the way.
September 29, 2026
I have enjoyed and learned from every Alan Gratz book I have ever read and this was no exception. This tells the story of a sister and brother trying to leave Honduras to the United States after getting separated from their parents. I personally have never thought of what that trip must be like for people and this book really left me thinking about it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2026
I was and still am a huge fan of Refugee. I was not surprised to see that this story was meant to be included in the Refugee book because it is just as real, impactful, and engaging as the other stories in that book. The size and content of this book could be perfect for someone ready for something more challenging than I Survived but not ready to take on a 300 page book.
October 30, 2026
I only gave 4.25 stars because I really want to know the ending of Dani and Carlos’s story, and while I read Two Degrees when it first came out, I don’t remember if it was included in that. Their story is a sad one though, but the hope of the butterfly has me hoping that they were able to make it over as a family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Found this on the free shelf of my local bookstore. It's an important read, for children as well as myself. I highly recommend for parents to give their children to understand the problems at the border, walls, immigrants and asylum seekers. I learned from it too.
September 15, 2026
An excellent historical fiction novella. Daniella, the MC, is briefly mentioned in "Two Degrees". This is her complete story. Strongly recommend for a compassionate 3rd grader, and everyone older.
July 25, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from a local bookstore. Alan Gratz writes great historical fiction for MG kids. This was a shorter story originally meant for his book 2 Degrees. I liked it!
August 31, 2026
Short. YA companion book
September 3, 2026
We briefly met Daniela in Two Degrees, but her story wasn't in that book. I'm so glad we got her account of being an environmental refugee in this novella.
September 6, 2026
Another book that makes you hate Donald Trump even more.
September 13, 2026
Even with a novella, Alan Gratz can tell a heartbreaking story that opens our eyes to the plights of others! I am eternally grateful for his thoughtful writing!
September 17, 2026
Finished this in one day and wow. They really packed every single emotion into a very short story. This book should be a required read for middle school. Very well written.
September 19, 2026
Alan Gratz is a go-to author for junior high students. This one, under 100 pages, is already a favorite. Fewer pages is a great option for some younger readers.
September 26, 2026
An engaging novella
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews