Refugee Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Refugee questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 53 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   When the Nazis break into Josef's home, how does Josef's life change in just one night? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.

2. Chapter 2

   Why does Isabel's family begin thinking about leaving Cuba? What risks do they know they might face?

3. Chapter 3

   How does the bombing in Aleppo change Mahmoud's idea of what home means? What details show how dangerous his life has become?

   Example answer: I think the bombing shows Mahmoud that home is not really safe anymore. A home is supposed to be a place where you can relax with your family, but his apartment and neighborhood are full of danger. I noticed that his family has to make fast choices just to survive. This made me understand why leaving home can be scary but also necessary.

4. Chapter 4

   On Josef's journey to the ship, how do fear and hope both show up in his family? What does Josef notice about the adults around him?

5. Chapter 5

   What do Isabel's actions while getting ready to leave show about her personality? How is she helpful to her family?

6. Chapter 6

   Why is it hard for Mahmoud's family to decide to leave Syria? What would you have felt if you were in his place?

7. Chapter 7

   When Josef first gets on the ship, what makes it seem safer than life in Germany? What hints show that danger may still be ahead?

8. Chapter 8

   How does the ocean become a problem for Isabel and the others on the boat? Describe how the setting creates tension.

9. Chapter 9

   Mahmoud's family has to trust people they do not know. How can trust be helpful and dangerous on their journey?

10. Chapter 10

    What does Josef learn about fairness and unfairness while he is on the ship? Give an example from the chapter.

11. Chapter 11

    How does music connect Isabel to her family and to Cuba? Why do you think music matters so much to her?

12. Chapter 12

    Mahmoud tries to stay calm and solve problems during the trip. What is one example of his resourcefulness?

13. Chapter 13

    How has Josef's father changed after being imprisoned? How does this change the way Josef sees his role in the family?

14. Chapter 14

    What choice does Isabel make when the boat is in trouble? What does this show about her courage?

15. Chapter 15

    How do Mahmoud and his family react when the sea journey becomes dangerous? What do their reactions teach you about them?

16. Chapter 16

    Josef is growing up quickly because of the danger around him. What responsibilities does he take on in this chapter?

17. Chapter 17

    How do the people on Isabel's boat work together to survive? What does teamwork look like in this chapter?

18. Chapter 18

    Mahmoud faces a heartbreaking situation on the water. How does this moment show the cost of being a refugee?

19. Chapter 19

    When the ship reaches Cuba, why do the passengers feel both excited and worried? What do they hope will happen?

20. Chapter 20

    What new dangers or surprises does Isabel face on the way to Florida? How does she keep going?

21. Chapter 21

    Mahmoud thinks about being invisible and being seen. What do you think he means by that, and why does it matter?

22. Chapter 22

    How do the children on Josef's ship try to act normal? Why might normal moments be important during frightening times?

23. Chapter 23

    What does Isabel learn about fear from the adults around her? How does she respond to that fear?

24. Chapter 24

    Mahmoud's family meets police, crowds, or borders on their journey. How do these obstacles make the trip harder?

25. Chapter 25

    What does the refusal to let many passengers enter Cuba show about prejudice and power? How does Josef respond?

26. Chapter 26

    How does Isabel's family handle a crisis on the boat? What does this show about love and sacrifice?

27. Chapter 27

    Mahmoud has to decide whether to stay quiet or speak up. What choice does he make, and what are the possible results?

28. Chapter 28

    Josef's father makes a dangerous decision. How does this event affect Josef and the rest of his family?

29. Chapter 29

    How does Lito's story connect Isabel's journey to Josef's journey? Why is this connection important?

    Example answer: I think Lito's story is important because it shows that refugees have been treated unfairly in different times and places. Isabel is trying to reach safety, just like Josef and the people on the ship long ago. The connection helped me see that history can repeat if people do not learn from it. It also made the book feel like one big story instead of three separate stories.

30. Chapter 30

    What does Mahmoud learn about crowds of refugees in this chapter? How can a crowd give people both safety and danger?

31. Chapter 31

    Josef and the other passengers must face a new disappointment. How do people react when their hopes are taken away?

32. Chapter 32

    Isabel experiences a painful loss. How does the group keep moving even while they are grieving?

33. Chapter 33

    Mahmoud's family keeps traveling even when they are tired and scared. What helps them persevere?

34. Chapter 34

    How does Josef's family try to rebuild their lives after leaving the ship? What problems still follow them?

35. Chapter 35

    How does Isabel change after losing someone she cares about? What does she learn about being strong?

36. Chapter 36

    In Mahmoud's journey, strangers sometimes help refugees. What act of kindness stands out, and why does it matter?

37. Chapter 37

    Josef's family finds some safety, but it may not last. How does the author show that danger is still close?

38. Chapter 38

    Isabel is close to reaching Florida. Why can being almost safe still feel frightening?

39. Chapter 39

    What hopes does Mahmoud have when his family gets closer to Germany? What worries might still be with him?

40. Chapter 40

    How does Josef show bravery when the Nazis return to threaten his family? What would you want readers to remember about him?

41. Chapter 41

    Isabel and her family must make another difficult choice near the end of their trip. How does this choice show sacrifice?

42. Chapter 42

    Mahmoud finally reaches a place that may be safe. How does safety feel different after everything he has been through?

43. Chapter 43

    Josef faces an impossible choice to protect people he loves. What does this chapter show about family and courage?

44. Chapter 44

    What does reaching land mean for Isabel? How can this moment be both happy and sad?

45. Chapter 45

    Mahmoud meets people in Germany who connect to the past. How does this meeting help connect the three stories?

46. Chapter 46

    What do Josef's final actions teach you about sacrifice? How did your feelings about Josef change by this point?

47. Chapter 47

    Isabel starts a new life in Miami. What might be exciting for her, and what might still be hard?

48. Chapter 48

    How does Mahmoud react to being welcomed after so much rejection? What does welcome mean in this chapter?

49. Chapter 49

    How does learning more about Josef's family help you understand the long-lasting effects of war and hate?

50. Chapter 50

    Isabel returns to music in her new home. How can music help her remember the past and also move forward?

51. Chapter 51

    Mahmoud learns that stories from the past are connected to his own story. Why is it important to remember refugee stories?

52. Chapter 52

    How does Isabel's ending show both hope and loss? What do you think her future might be like?

53. Chapter 53

    What message do all three endings leave about refugees, courage, and kindness? Use examples from more than one character's story.

    Example answer: I think the endings show that refugees are brave people who want safety for their families. Josef's story showed sacrifice, and Isabel's story showed how hard it can be to start over in a new place. Mahmoud's story showed that kindness from strangers can make a big difference. The book made me think people should welcome refugees instead of judging them.