Challenges
The people lived under oppression, unable to make choices or express themselves without fear.
prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control
The coast guard arrived just in time to rescue the family stranded at sea.
to save someone from danger
Under the dictator’s rule, people weren’t allowed to speak freely or vote.
a ruler with total power, often ruling by force
They risked everything for a chance at freedom—to live without fear or punishment.
the state of being free, especially from oppression or captivity
The journey was long and dangerous, but the family hoped they would find peace at the end of it.
a long and often difficult trip from one place to another
After the bombing, Mahmoud carried the trauma of losing his home and seeing his country torn apart.
deep emotional or physical stress caused by a disturbing event
In the middle of the storm, their only thought was survival—how to stay alive one more day.
the act of continuing to live or exist, especially under difficult conditions
The news talked about an uprising in the capital, where citizens protested against unfair treatment.
a rebellion or revolt against a government or authority
When the boat engine stopped working in the middle of the ocean, Isabel felt overwhelmed with despair.
a feeling of complete hopelessness
A humanitarian organization gave the refugees food, water, and blankets when they arrived at the camp.
concerned with or seeking to improve the lives of others
The man tried to smuggle food past the guards to help a starving family.
to move something or someone illegally or secretly
The family had to flee their home in the middle of the night when soldiers began bombing their neighborhood.
to run away quickly from danger or harm
The citizens lived in fear under the tyranny of a government that punished anyone who spoke out.
cruel and unfair control by someone in power
The family knew their journey across the sea would be perilous, but they had no other choice.
full of danger or risk
Josef’s family had to leave Germany because the Nazis began to persecute Jewish people, treating them harshly just for their religion.
to treat someone cruelly or unfairly, especially because of their race, religion, or beliefs
The family faced prejudice at the border, where some people judged them just because of where they were from.
unfair dislike or opinion about someone based on race, religion, etc.
After walking for hours without rest, Mahmoud’s legs ached with fatigue and he could barely stay awake.
extreme tiredness, usually from hard work or stress
Soldiers put up a barricade to block the road and prevent people from escaping the city.
something that blocks or defends a place
Mahmoud was wary of strangers on the road, knowing that not everyone was willing to help refugees.
cautious or watchful, especially because of danger
Josef’s father feared deportation because it meant being sent back to a country where he wasn’t safe.
the act of forcing someone to leave a country
Isabel’s grandfather had lived in exile for years, unable to return to Cuba after speaking against the leader.
the state of being forced to live away from one’s home or country
War caused the displacement of thousands of families, who had to leave everything behind.
the forced movement of people from their home or country
Mahmoud’s family applied for asylum, hoping a safer country would let them stay and protect them
protection granted to someone fleeing danger in another country
Even after losing so much, Mahmoud stayed resilient and helped take care of his little brother.
able to recover quickly from difficult conditions
The refugees were placed in an internment camp until the authorities decided their fate.
imprisonment or confinement, often during wartime