In class, our teacher Ms. Boyer has been reading “Refugee” by Alan Grantz. “Refugee” is about different kids becoming refugees and learning what it’s like to be a refugee. Our class brainstormed some questions about the book after that Ms. Boyer wrote down the questions and told us to answer 2-3 questions thoughtfully. Here are my answers to a few questions.

• I wonder how all of these kids get the confidence to do things, and how they get so brave?

I think deep down the children are still afraid. They get their confidence in the times when they have no other option. They get brave when they realize there is a slim chance and they grab onto that chance and hope they get on the better side.

• Why don’t those dictators realize what they are doing?

It’s all about perspective! I think the dictators thought they were doing good stuff but they were actually being harmful. For example, Hitler hated Jews and blamed them for his losses. I think he thought by eliminating all Jews, he would achieve a better world. Also, in Isabela’s story, the leader, Fidel Castro probably thought he was doing good things by bombing the rebels.

• Why can’t they resolve this with some talking and compromising?

I think they didn’t solve problems by talking and compromising because you can’t get rid of all jews by talking and compromising and you can’t stop every rebel from rebelling with a contract.

If you haven’t read “Refugee” by Alan Gratz you should read it! It is for age groups 10 and up. It is an amazing book!