Refugee by Alan Gratz Activity - Isabel's Interview Assignment Cuban History
Invite your students to step into the role of a journalist on the shores of Cuba during the 1994 Cuban Raft Exodus—a historical moment that inspired Isabel’s journey in Refugee by Alan Gratz. In this creative research assignment, students will explore the real-life event that shaped Isabel’s fictional experience and then imagine how she and her family might have responded if given the chance to speak. Using primary sources and guided prompts, students will investigate the historical context, plan a news article, and craft a front-page story featuring integrated quotes from Isabel and one adult on her boat—highlighting the contrast between a child’s and an adult’s perspective.
This is included in our popular unit plan:
>>> Refugee by Alan Gratz Unit Plan
Included in the Refugee Isabel’s Cuban History Interview Assignment:
➡️ Isabel's Interview Research and Planning Template: Lead students through an exploration of the 1994 Cuban Raft Exodus with linked articles and captioned photos. Then, students will identify key facts about The Cuban Raft Exodus and imagine how Isabel and one adult family member might respond to a reporter’s questions.
➡️ Front Page News Story Writing Template: Students apply their research and planning to write a news article that blends factual reporting with fictionalized quotes, reinforcing connections between the novel and real-world history.
How the Refugee Isabel’s Cuban History Interview Assignment works:
- Students will begin by reading two primary sources: one article about the 1994 Cuban Raft Exodus and another featuring captioned photos and personal stories. This builds essential historical context.
- With their research complete, students will organize key facts and plan responses that Isabel and a chosen adult might give if interviewed by a reporter.
- Finally, students will write a front-page news story that captures the emotional and political stakes of the moment, weaving together fact, fiction, and character insight from Refugee.
This activity is ideal for use with the section titled “Isabel – Off the Coast of Florida – 1994, 5 days from home,” when Isabel and her family begin their journey, and a reporter briefly approaches her for an interview.
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