Maurice and His Dictionary: A True Story (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781771473231)

This is the story of one refugee family's harrowing journey, based on author Cary Fagan's own family history. The graphic novel follows a young Jewish boy, Maurice, and his family as they flee their home in Belgium during the Second World War. They travel by train to Paris, through Spain to Portugal, and finally across the ocean to Jamaica, where they settle in an internment camp.

All the while, Maurice is intent on continuing his education and growing up to be a lawyer. He overcomes obstacles to find a professor to study with, works toward a high school diploma while in the camp, and is ultimately accepted to university in Canada. His English dictionary becomes a beloved tool and beacon of hope through the danger and turmoil of the family's migration.

Moments of lightness and humor balance the darkness in this powerful story of one refugee family's courage and resilience, and of the dictionary that came to represent their freedom.

Author: Cary Fagan
ISBN-10: 1771473231
ISBN-13: 9781771473231
Publisher: Owlkids
Language: English
Published: 10/15/2020
Pages: 56
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.10w x 0.70d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 509931 / Maurice and His Dictionary: A True Story


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2020
School Library Journal 08/01/2020 pg. 76
Publishers Weekly 08/10/2020
Foreword 10/22/2020