Refugee: The Graphic Novel
Like the prose novel, Refugee: The Graphic Novel is the story of three different kids, in three different time periods, in three different parts of the world, all driven from their homes by violence. But this time around…
You will see Josef startled awake at night as Nazis break down his door.
You will see Isabel searching for her father as Havana riots.
You will see Mahmoud and his little brother trying to be invisible in Damascus.
You will see Josef and his family board the MS St. Louis, bound for freedom and safety in Cuba. You will see Isabel’s family flee Cuba on a raft, headed for freedom and safety in Florida. And you will see Mahmoud and his family travel by car, by train, by ferry, and on foot, as they journey toward freedom and safety in Germany.
It’s the story of Refugee you know and love, adapted by me, and brought to life with stunning illustrations by artist Syd Fini.
Scholastic | October 7, 2025 | Ages 8 and Up
Book Trailer
Praise
An effective adaptation, still relevant and likely to find a fresh audience.
—Kirkus
“The original Refugee remains an important and timely book; this graphic novel adaptation brings the moving stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud to life for a new generation of readers.”
—School Library Journal
Awards
Junior Library Guild selection (English language edition)
Junior Library Guild selection (Spanish language edition)
2025 American Library Association Best Graphic Novels for Children
2026 NCSS-CBC Social Studies Books Award Winner
2025 Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table Best Graphic Novel for Children: Older Readers
2026 Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorites Award Winner, Grades 6-9
2026 Children’s Book Council Librarian Favorites Award Winner, Grades 6-8
2026-2027 Missouri Denny O’Neil Recommended Graphic Novel List, Grades 6-8
2027 Delaware Blue Hen Middle Grade Graphic Novel Book Award Nominee
Cover Gallery
Chinese Edition
German Edition