Isabel
Why do Isabel and Amara kick the engine off the side of the boat?
To make the boat lighter
What is sewn into Ruthie's coat?
Diamond earrings
How does Mahmoud escape the detention center in Hungary?
He makes himself visible and leads a walkout
Who is the police officer who saves Josef's dad after he jumps off the MS St. Louis?
Mariono Padron (Lito)
What does Lito want to name the raft?
The St. Louis
What was Lito's job in Cuba?
A police officer
How is Rachel Landau mourning after she left Cuba?
After leaving her husband behind, she spends her days in the dance hall because she would rather enjoy the days she has rather than wishing her life was different. In a way, she is also "avoiding" facing her reality through dancing.
What wakes Mahmoud up while they are driving through Serbia?
The taxi driver stops and points a gun at the family
What is "wet feet, dry feet"?
If you are caught in the water you will be returned to your home country, but if you make it on land you can stay in that country.
What form of transportation do all 3 characters take?
A boat
What is Isabel's baby brother named and why?
Mariano, after Lito who sacrificed himself to allow his family to get to Miami without being caught by the Coast Guard
What news almost results in the ship being hijacked?
The passengers are not allowed to go to the US
What city is Mahmoud's family living in at the end of the book?
Berlin, Germany
Who takes Mahmoud's family in at the end of the book?
Ruthie
Name the 4 countries accepting refugees before WWII?
Belgium, France, England, Holland/the Netherlands
What does Isabel finally hear while playing her trumpet in America?
The clave
Why does Pozner ask Josef to help him storm the bridge?
Josef is one of the only people who knows where the bridge is
What does Mahmoud feel guilty about throughout the end of the book?
Giving Hana away
What are some sacrifices that the mothers had to make on their journeys? (Mahmoud's mom, Joseph's mom, Isabel's mom)
Joseph's mom= took the sleeping draft
Isabel's mom= stayed on the boat when sick
What does Ruthie give Waleed and why?
A stuffed white rabbit, because it relates to her "comfort toy" Bitsy when she was a refugee.
What does Lito realize about waiting for the world to change?
It will never change if you just wait; you must take action to change the world / your circumstances yourself
Throughout Refugee, characters are often told to wait for “mañana,” even when their situations are dangerous or uncertain. Explain what one of the main characters learns about their own ability to shape the future rather than waiting for it.
Answers Vary
What countries did Mahmoud's family travel through in the correct order?
Syria, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Germany
What is something that each main character have to give up for their freedom?
Isabel= Ivan, Lito, trumpet, etc.
Mahmoud= clothes, car, Hana, etc.
Joseph= dad, all belongings, his own life, etc.
What is a refugee and how is it different from an immigrant?
Refugee: Someone who is forced their leave their home country because their government is treating them poorly or their home is unsafe due to war
Immigrant: Someone who leaves their home country for a better opportunity somewhere else