Draw or digitally create the three main characters in their home settings:

Josef in Berlin, Isabel in Havana, Mahmoud in Aleppo.

Create a mind map that shows what we’ve learned so far about each story. Include:

• Date and location

• Main characters

• Key events

• The conflict / what they are escaping from

Add 1–2 key facts from research about Germany, Cuba, or Syria during that time period that will help explain what’s going on.

Success Criteria:

• My mind map is organised into three sections.

• I show understanding of each character’s story and conflict.

• I include accurate historical facts with relevance to the story.

Record a short video to upload to youtube sharing your thoughts:

• What do you think of the story so far?

• What do you predict will happen next?

Choose 2 questions about your favourite character and answer them. 

Character Questions:

Josef:

• What is Kristallnacht? How did it impact Josef’s family?

• Why had his father changed?

• Why were the Jews treated this way?

Isabel:

• What does it mean that Cuba is a communist country?

• Why was there a riot? Why did her father have to leave?

• Should her family try to escape?

Mahmoud:

• What caused the war in Syria?

• Why does Mahmoud believe it’s better not to have friends?

• Should his family leave Syria? What challenges might they face?

Success Criteria:

• I show my opinions and back them up with evidence.

• I show empathy and understanding of the characters.

• I explain the events and their effects clearly.

Choose Germany, Cuba or Syria and research:

• What was happening at the time the story is set?

• Why were people leaving that country?

• Present your findings in a poster, slideshow, or timeline.

Link your research to the book — show how real history connects to Josef, Isabel or Mahmoud.

Success Criteria:

• I explain historical events clearly.

• I connect the events to the characters in Refugee.

• I present my work in an organised and creative way.

• Create the Star of David armband from Josef’s story, or

• Build something relevant in Minecraft.