I read my first Alan Gratz novel back in 2018. REFUGEE captured the tragic and emotional effect on families when they have to move because of political decisions. Three families were featured from different time periods and the stories tied together beautifully by the last pages.

Graphic novels are increasingly popular and young readers who might shy away from the original 352 page book can now be introduced to the story in this visual format. The three characters are fictional but based on what was going on with real families in each time period.

The colorful images detail the emotion in each character’s face along with detailed background.

Josef is a Jewish boy fleeing Nazi Germany in 1939.

Isabel is a Cuban girl escaping Havana in 1994.

Finally there is Mahmoud, a Syrian boy leaving Aleppo in 2015.

Sadly, the world has not changed much as 2025 has brought on more stories of family upheaval. REFUGEE THE GRAPHIC NOVEL is a great learning and discussion starter. The book debuted this month and at just 176 pages it will for sure grab the attention of new readers.

ABOUT ALAN GRATZ

I’m the author of a number of books for young readers, including Refugee, Allies, Grenade, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. I live in the mountains of western North Carolina with my family, where I enjoy reading, playing games, and eating pizza. Follow me on Twitter: @alangratz

ABOUT THE ARTIST

SYD FINI started working in Arya comics and directed and wrote Back From The Other Side, Turquoise Guardian and Stars on Earth short animation films. He works as a storyboard artist at the Mill New York and Psyop. He recently finished his graphic novel Saah, about a boy who tries to save pigeons in a fictional middle eastern city torn by war. Syd designed the art for the augmented reality comic book, “Priya and the Lost Girls,” and “Priya’s Mask.” (https://www.finifactory.com/)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It’s never too early to start thinking about gifts for Christmas. Publisher Simon & Schuster has put together a nice set of three holiday classics with THE ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS CLASSICS COLLECTION. Included are THE NUTCRACKER by E.T.A. Hoffmann; A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens; and my favorite with TWELVE CLASSICS OF CHRISTMAS from authors like Louisa May Alcott and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping with this boxed set.

************************************************************

It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.