Josef
What is the name of the night that is translated into "Night of the Broken Glass"
Kristallnacht
What is one object or personal item that’s important to Isabel early in her story, and what does it represent?
Her trumpet—it represents her connection to music, her grandfather, and a sense of normalcy before the journey begins.
What action does Mahmoud take in his first chapter that shows he’s learned how to survive in a dangerous world?
He avoids being noticed by bullies and keeps his head down—choosing to be invisible to stay safe.
What is one theme all 3 characters’ stories share early on?
Fleeing home due to violence or danger; survival. Other answers MIGHT apply.
What country do Josef and his family hope to be accepted into when they board the ship?
Cuba
What happened to Josef’s father that caused the family to leave?
He was arrested and taken to a concentration camp (Dachau), then released with orders to leave.
What emergency forces Isabel’s family to leave Cuba?
Riots, economic instability, and her father punching a police officer during unrest.
What are 2 major dangers that Mahmoud’s family faced early on?
Bombings, collapsed buildings, and armed conflict in Aleppo.
How is the theme of family loyalty shown in Isabel’s story?
She helps her family escape and puts them first, even trading her trumpet to protect them.
What is the name of the ship that Josef & his family got on to leave Germany?
St. Lous
What are two specific challenges Josef faces on the ship?
Antisemitic passengers and crew; fear of being returned to Germany; managing family responsibilities.
What role does Isabel play in helping her family escape Cuba?
She trades her trumpet for gasoline and helps convince her grandfather to join.
What does Mahmoud wish for while waiting to go onto the boat?
He wishes they had never left Syria.
Which character faces the most obstacles connected to identity or culture?
Josef—his Jewish identity places him in danger and affects his treatment on the ship.
What does Waleed (Mahmoud’s brother) stop doing after the trauma of their home being bombed?
Showing emotion—he becomes quiet and emotionally numb.
How does Josef show leadership during the trip?
He steps up to help his mother, protect Ruthie, and follow rules to avoid trouble on the ship.
Why does Isabel choose to jump into the water during her journey to Florida?
To rescue the boat’s engine after it falls in—without it, they’d be stranded at sea.
How does Mahmoud respond when his family’s dinghy sinks?
He stays calm, helps his parents, and ensures Waleed is kept afloat.
How does the theme of growing up too fast show up in Josef’s story?
He has to take over as the man of the house, care for Ruthie, and make adult decisions.
In Josef’s story, why does Josef slap his own father on the MS St. Louis?
To snap him out of a panic during a medical inspection —Josef was afraid his father would get them all in trouble.
How do Josef’s values shift from his first to his most recent chapter?
He grows from a frightened boy to a more mature figure, taking on adult responsibilities and showing bravery.
How has Isabel changed as a person from Ch. 1–25?
She becomes more selfless, brave, and takes initiative to protect her family during the journey.
Why does the dighy sink?
Because it gets overflowed with water from the rain.
Which theme best connects all three stories by Chapter 25? Defend your answer.
The loss of innocence—each child is forced into adult roles and decisions because of war and crisis.
Other answers MIGHT apply.
Which chapter(s) take place on water? Name at least two character journeys.
Josef, Isabel, & Mahmoud