In the beginning chapters of the novel, Refugee, Alan Gratz introduces his characters, Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, as well as their current situations in their homelands at specific time periods. Gratz specifically writes about Mahmoud blending in as a cloak of invisibility to help him survive his situation. He writes about Josef and those who wear the yellow Star of David armbands as being invisible and how the Cubans were unseen, forgotten and starving. How could it be positive and how could it be negative to be invisible in these situations?
Throughout the novel, Gratz writes about interactions between the Hitler Youth and Josef, Mr. Nasser and the Bishara family, and the Fernandez family, the Castillo family, and the tourists at the Bahamas. Why did Gratz include these interactions?
Dear Mrs. Dickerson,
ReplyDeleteThank you for blogging with us; we greatly appreciate it.
Blog #1
Being invisible can be positive. It is a way to keep one physically safe because people may not pay as much attention to those who are invisible. In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he explicitly stated on page twelve, paragraph one, “Mahmoud Bishara was invisible, and that’s exactly how he wanted it. Being invisible was how he survived.” And, on page thirteen, paragraph four, Gratz stated, “Even though their apartment wasn’t far, Mahmoud led Waleed on a different route home every day. Sometimes it was the back alleys; there could be some fighters in the streets, who were always targets for the opposition.” Also, on page seventeen, paragraph five, Gratz stated, “Head down, hoodie up, eyes on the ground. The trick was to be invisible. Blend in. Disappear.” This textual evidence backs up our claim by proving that Mahmoud was physically safer when he was invisible. Faith, Zoey, David, and I can infer that if Mahmoud was unseen, then he avoided physical abuse. Because Mahmoud avoided this conflict, he most likely would not be hurt or even killed; it was “Survival of the Fittest”. In the end, Gratz repeats the invisibility theme because he may want his readers to understand that some people try to do the best they can even if it is staying invisible; therefore, choosing invisibility may be positive.
On the other hand, invisibility could be negative. If people stay silent, when will change happen? Take Isabel for example. If she did not speak up about the gasoline, then the family may have had to stay in Cuba. On page forty-five, it was stated, “‘We don’t have any gasoline anyway,’ Iván said. He put a hand to the motorcycle motor they’d mounted inside the boat.” “‘We’re not going anywhere soon. I can fix that!’ Isabel said.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving that if Isabel did not speak up, the fate of the families may suffer further. Faith, Zoey, David, and I feel that Isabel acts more mature than the other family members. In many situations, she takes charge and achieves more than the adults would, in a shorter amount of time.
Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages to invisibility. One could be physically and/or mentally harmed if he/she is visible, but being visible may be the only way to make positive change. What do you think?
Thank you for reading our response. David, Faith, Zoey, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Hello! I am so excited to be able to blog with you.
ReplyDeleteI am in a unique position, in that I get to see how much you have grown as writers since last year. Also, it is exciting seeing you carefully analyze this novel and use your reasoning skills and use of textual evidence to support your claims. You know how much I love good textual evidence!
I am impressed with how Mr. Gratz has taken three different stories of refugees and turned them into a novel. Each story is written parallel to the others, but maintains its own voice. Do you like this style of writing? Do any of you enjoy historical fiction more than other genres?
After reading your response to the prompt, I have a few questions for you. You wrote that invisibility can be positive in that it may keep someone physically safe. What effect do you think this has on Josef and Mahmoud mentally? You referenced the phrase “Survival of the Fittest.” Does this take a toll on a person? I immediately began to worry about the effect the trauma will have on each of these young people and their families and friends.
As far as invisibility goes, do you think there are people around you who use invisibility as a defense against something negative in their lives? Can this concept be relevant to some teens?
The disadvantages to being invisible are also evident in the novel. I like how you referenced Isabel and her decision to be bold and speak up about the gasoline. I agree that she acts mature for someone her age. Do you think it is dangerous for her to take this risk, as someone with limited experience in this world?
You have done a good job of using textual evidence. I can’t wait to read more into this novel and hear your thoughts. I encourage you to dig deep and really challenge each other to think about your responses. We often learn best by listening to those around us and forming our own thoughts based upon many different perspectives.
Blog # 1 Response
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your response! Zoey, David, Faith, and I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
Here are the answers to your questions:
1.Do you like this style of writing? Zoey, Faith, David, and I enjoy book talks so writing about what we are reading with you is enjoyable. We appreciate your ideas, and it helps us think things through.
2.Do any of you enjoy historical fiction more than other genres? Zoey and Faith do not enjoy reading historical fiction, but David and I, on the other hand, love reading it because we like real-world events especially WWII. The rest of us like realistic fiction and fantasy.
3.What effect do you think this has on Josef and Mahmoud mentally? Being physically safe does have a mental effect on Josef and Mahmoud because they are worried about them and their family being hurt. It changes the way you think about things,and it changes how you act.
4.Does this take a toll on a person? “Survival of the fittest” does take a toll on all three of the characters because all the kids are acting more like adults than their parents, and they are taking on more responsibilities than their parents, that they should be doing. It takes a toll because it could drain these children.
5.As far as invisibility goes, do you think there are people around you who use invisibility as a defense against something negative in their lives? Yes, people use invisibility as a defense because it is safer, and it may protect them.
6.Can this concept be relevant to some teens? This concept can be relevant to some teens, because they can hide from their problems.
7.Do you think it is dangerous for her to take this risk, as someone with limited experience in this world? Isabel is being dangerous by taking these risks with such little experience in the world because she may not know what she is getting herself into. But, we understand why she takes the risk. Isabel is selfless.
ReplyDeleteBlog 2
Dear Mrs. Dickerson,
Thank you for blogging once again with us. David, Faith, Zoey, and I greatly appreciate it!
Alan Gratz included many interactions that took place to make the readers wonder...why did Alan Gratz put these in the novel, Refugee? Gratz includes these interactions because they made a positive impact on the families during their journey. For Josef, Gratz stated on page thirty-four, paragraph five and six, “‘What were you thinking?’ The boy whispered. Josef couldn't speak. The boy thrust the armband at Josef’s chest. ‘Put that on. And don’t ever do that again,’ the Hitler Youth told Josef. ‘Do you understand?’” For Mahmoud, Gratz also stated on page one hundred twenty-seven, paragraphs one and two, “‘My name is Samih Nasseer,’ the man told them, and Mahmoud’s father introduced them all. ‘You are Syrian, yes? Refugees?’ the man asked. ‘I know what it is like. I am a refugee too, from Palestine.’” Nasseer later stated, “'You take boat to Greece? Tonight’ Mr. Nasser asked. ‘Maybe.’ Mahmoud's father said. ‘If it's there.’ “I’ll take you to it,’ Mr. Nasser said. ‘and if it's not there you can come back and stay with me.’” These pieces of evidence back up our claim by proving that Gratz put these interactions to show that even though their journeys are rough there may be a silver lining. With Isabel, Gratz further stated on page 177, “Soon the rest of the tourists were hurrying back and forth to the café, buying bottles of water and bags of chips and tossing them into everyone's hands on the boat.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving that even though they were not allowed to step foot in the Bahamas, the tourists helped them by buying food and water for everyone on the boat. Our guess is that Gratz is telling us that compassion for others can fuel positive change. For us, maybe Gratz is having us question what we would do in a similar situation. Would we defy authority in order to help people, especially in a life or death situation? Or, would we follow the authority? We would hope we would find it in ourselves to help others.
In the novel, Refugee, the people who tried to help even in the smallest ways made the biggest difference. Clearly, actions speak louder than words. What do you think?
Hello, group!
ReplyDeleteI really like that the message you took from the reading was that compassion for others can fuel positive change. This may not always be the case, and things may not always turn out positive, but thinking of others is a good way to think. I also wonder about the author’s purpose for writing this book. I think that about many books. It would be wonderful if we could ask him. Were there specific reasons for his topic of choice? Is there any personal connection?
I think it is hard to imagine being in a life or death situation. The emotions are so high in those situations that it may be hard to think clearly. Do you think, in times like those, that a person’s deepest character traits emerge? In school and at home, we are often taught to respect authority. What happens if the authority figure(s) are the ones leading people astray? I think we see this in our novel.
I am so happy that you recognize that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference. Often, actions do speak louder than words. It is important to remember this as you learn and grow.
I challenge you, in the next week, to do a random act of kindness. Try not to tell anyone about it. Pay attention to the effects it has on people. Would you mind sharing your thoughts and observations from it?
Blog # 3
ReplyDeleteIn the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he is trying to make a point when he stated, “They only see us when we do something they don't want us to do.” Gratz wants us to recognize what is really happening on this ferry, and he is trying to show that some people may not understand a certain situation or care unless it is happening to them. On page 213, paragraph four, Gratz stated, “As he kneeled and stood, kneeled and stood, Mahmoud was supposed to be focused only on his prayers. But he couldn't help notice the unessy looks the tourists were giving them. The frowns of disapproval. Like Mahmoud and his brother, and this man was doing something wrong.” On page 214, paragraph one, Gratz explicitly stated, “They were supposed to be on holiday, seeing ancient ruins and beautiful Greek beaches not stepping over filthy, praying refugees.” And then later stated on page 214, paragraph two, “The thought hit him like a lighting bolt. When they stayed where they were supposed to be - in the ruins of Aleppo or behind the fences of the refugee camp - people could forget about them.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving that Gratz is trying to show that some people do not understand or accept differences or what others are going through. Some are too quick to judge. These tourists are demonstrating hatred to the refugees because they may not understand what the refugees are going through or understand their religion. Some may not want them around them. There are some who can not put themselves or want to put themselves in Mahmoud’s shoes and go through what he does everyday. As soon as Mahmoud did something “wrong” in their eyes, he was instantly visible. Mahmoud was doing what he is used to doing, and they do not understand that. It is acceptable to be different. Some people still show hatred in our world and even in our lives today. Even today, some people still judge people and place them in social classes too. In the novel, Ashes of Roses, by Mary Jane Auch, and in the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, they both show signs of how some people judge others outside their social classes, based on their looks, their wealth and well-being. But, we should give people a chance. Even in our world today some people are still too quick to judge, when others should not have to change to be accepted by society.
Faith, David, Zoey, and I have a couple of questions for you. Do you think that it is fair that some still treat people this way today? Would you have helped a family in any of the situations like the tourists did? Thank you for blogging! David, Faith, Zoey, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Blog 2 Response
ReplyDeleteHere are the answers to your questions:
The emotions are so high in those situations that it may be hard to think clearly. Do you think, in times like those, that a person’s deepest character traits emerge?
Yes, the traits emerge because high tension brings the “worst” out of people, and they may act without thought.
What happens if the authority figure(s) are the ones leading people astray? If authority figures are the ones leading them astray, then the children may be led on the wrong course.
Would you mind sharing some of your thoughts and observations from it? David, Zoey, Faith, and I learned from our challenge that even the smallest gesture, like giving a card, can have an impact on someone’s day. It made us feel joyful because it put a smile on her face. This challenge taught us to take time out of our day to make a positive impact on someone’s day; it could change someone’s future for the better.
Hello!!
ReplyDeleteI was so pleased to hear that you gave my challenge some thought and did a random act of kindness. Faith came to me that day and told me your choice. I hope you were able to see that even a small act can make a difference in a person’s world. I am sure it put a smile on that person’s face.
I want to start by talking about this quote from your response, “Some people still show hatred in our world and even in our lives today.” I would agree with this. In fact, I have seen this in our own, small community. How can we change this? Is there anything we can do in this time and place to help the world and/or our own lives?
Right now, our seventh graders are reading Chains. Do you remember this novel and the main character, Isabel? This novel was set during the American Revolution. Do you draw any connections with Isabel and the characters in Refugee? How would it connect with the themes of accepting or not accepting differences? While these novels are set during different time periods, there are some similarities in regards to how people are treated.
I do not believe it is fair that some people are still treated this way. It is a reality, but I hope for a better world. You already changed someone’s day by one small act of kindness. What do you think would happen if we all tried to practice empathy and understanding more often?
To answer your other question, I would like to believe I would have helped a family in this situation like the tourists did. My friends and family can tell you that I am a “fixer”. When I know something is wrong or someone is hurting, I feel that I need to help in some way. I think I would have tried to help somehow simply because I believe it is the right thing to do.
Keep up the good work!!
Blog #3 Response
ReplyDeleteThank you for blogging with us once again. David, Faith, Zoey, and I greatly appreciate it.
How can we change this? We can change this by continuing your challenge by doing more small acts of kindness. In which we did for Mrs. Thompson by giving her a personalized gift. It is our hope that the person who receives our “Group 27 RAK” pays it forward. Thanks for inspiring us!
Is there anything we can do in this time and place to help the world and/or our own lives? Yes, we can be nice and not be hateful towards one another. We can only control our actions and what we say so thinking before we act or speak will hopefully make a positive impact.
Do you remember this novel and the main character, Isabel? Yes, we all remember this book and character. How could we forget it?!
Do you draw any connections with Isabel and the characters in Refugee? Yes, Faith, David, Zoey and I do see connections with these characters in many ways. For example, they all needed help from strangers at certain times in their journey.
How would it connect with the themes of accepting or not accepting differences? In both novels there were situations where the main characters were not accepted because of their differences.
What do you think would happen if we all tried to practice empathy and understanding more often? We feel that if we all tried to practice empathy and understanding we would have a better world today.
Blog #4
ReplyDeleteIn the novel, Refugee, Lito is inferring that Isabel needs to change the world, instead of waiting for the world to change. Lito is also inferring to not make the same mistake he did in 1939, when he could have helped the Jews on the St. Louis. Gratz stated on page 277, “‘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 mãnana. But a funny thing happened while I was waiting for the world to change, Chabela: it didn’t. Because I didn’t change it. I am not going to make that same mistake twice. Take care of your mother and baby brother for me.’” Gratz put this text in the novel because he wanted to show that even though you may not have made the most wonderful decisions, that you may be given the chance to correct things and/or make better choices in the future. Lito is willing to do anything for his daughter and grandchildren and wishes he could have done the same for Josef’s family. On page 277, Gratz stated, “‘Don’t stop rowing for shore’” Isabel's grandfather yelled to everyone else. He kissed Isabel on the cheek, surprising her, and then stood and jumped into the ocean.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving that Lito wants the most wonderful life that Isabel could live no matter what she does. We can infer that Lito feels he has to change the world for Isabel and her baby brother. He feels he needs them to be safe in life even if he has to sacrifice himself. The group also believes Lito is trying to say to Isabel to not let the world change who you are but to take charge and not wait for the past to repeat itself with a younger generation. Make a difference in someone's life. If Lito would have helped the Jews, maybe he would not have blamed himself for them having to run away later on in life, and maybe he would have stayed on the boat with his family and would have gone to America. Readers will never know because we can not go back and change the past but to just keep moving forward in life and its new adventures.
Hello group!!
ReplyDeleteI think this week’s question connects really well with what you are trying to do with your Random Acts of Kindness. It may not be a big change in this world, but even a small change matters. I think that is what Lito was trying to do. He has some regret from not doing something in his past, so he decided he had an opportunity to do something to help his family now.
Let’s try to think back to our Sonnenblick novels in seventh grade. Each of the characters in those novels faced a traumatic life event. Can you draw any connection to the novel you read in your literature circle to Refugee? I would love to hear your thoughts. I am suspecting that within your group there are different novels represented, so you may need to answer separately.
I have heard wonderful things about your debates and progress through this novel. I am proud of you!
Blog 4 Response
ReplyDeleteCan you draw any connections to the novel you read in your literature circles to Refugee?
Yes, we can draw connections to the novels we read in our literature circles. We realize that all the characters in each of the novels have problems in their everyday life. Like in Curveball the Year I lost my Grip, Peter loses his grandfather, like Isabel. And in The Notes From The Midnight Driver, Alex and Sol become great friends like Isabel and Iván were in Refugee. After typing out these connections, it is also clear to us that we also have connections to each of these novels. We all have problems and struggles in our everyday life.
Thank you for responding. We can’t wait to hear from you again!