“We are a rural community with a population around 18,000 when the university is in session. We are the hub for commerce and medical care for close to 45,000. We are located over an hour from any major city. You DO NOT find yourself in Ada by accident. I say this to say, having an author like Alan Gratz visit was a very big deal. We had 1235 people attend. 1150 were students/school staff from twelve different school districts some as far as an hour and a half away. His presentations were suburb. The students were engrossed in his talk. They were also engaged in the Q&A. We had youth in the library that same afternoon checking out additional Alan Gratz books. We are now 5 weeks out from the event and several schools are bringing their students to the library for a traveling exhibit on the Holocaust and they get unbelievably excited when asked about Alan Gratz’s visit. Their faces light up and they can’t say enough. They pop to attention in their seat and their faces light up. Even the quiet students excitedly joining into the conversation to tell about their experience and which of his books he was now reading. It was a fantastic experience our community and the library team. One that will not be forgotten anytime soon.” — Ada Public Library, 2025
“Alan Gratz is as amazing an author as he is in person. He makes his books accessible, meaningful, and thought provoking. Our virtual visit with him left us all waiting his next book release.” — Krieger Schechter Day School, 2025
“Alan Gratz is a rock star among the middle grade community. Alan was very accommodating for the students, including signing autographs and greeting prize winners on stage across our three-day event. He delivered talks not only for the students, but also for the librarians, teachers, parents, and other adults in attendance. We would love to have Alan return to Youngstown.” — YSU English Festival, 2025
“Alan Gratz is an amazing speaker. He connects with students while covering topics that are meaningful to their teachers. It’s impossible to listen to him and not feel inspired!” — BookBreak, 2024
“We have hosted Alan Gratz at the Tennessee Association of School Librarians Annual Conference several times and he never disappoints! We have a unique connection to him since he is from Tennessee and that makes his visits even more special.” — TASL, 2024
“His interactions with our participants were phenomenal! He provided a keynote session that our participants could relate to and be inspired by as they entered the 24-25 school year.” — ESC Region 11, 2024
“Alan Gratz was wonderful. I really enjoyed the insight to his writing process.” — ESC Region 11, 2024
“Alan Gratz is the man! He is an excellent speaker who obviously has a soft spot for school librarians. All grade levels loved him! Plus, he was so gracious during the book signing. He spent time with each person and engaged with them on a personal level. If you are hosting an event and need a speaker, Alan is your guy!” — Kentucky Association of School Librarians, 2024
“Alan Gratz is an inspiring author who ignites a passion for writing in both students and educators. His masterful storytelling, crafted through meticulous research and innovative design, is evident in every page. He recently shared his creative process with our educators, leaving them highly motivated to explore new approaches to writing instruction. Beyond his expertise, Alan is a genuinely warm and personable individual who connects with everyone he meets. It’s clear that his passion for writing extends directly to inspiring the next generation of young readers and writers.” — Tulare County Office of Education, 2024
“Alan is an engaging speaker. He knows his young audience well and presents to them in an entertaining way. In addition to a large crowd for his presentation, he had a long signing line during which he really took time to talk to everyone who came to meet him.” — Knox County Public Library, 2024
“Alan Gratz provided an incredible author day at our school. His presentations were educational and engaging and enjoyed by students and teachers alike. Several parents reported that their students came home wanting to be novelists! This celebration of books and reading by one of our school’s favorite authors was a highlight of the year!” — McCulloch Intermediate/Highland Park Middle School, 2024
“Gratz does his usual splendid job of creating the visceral drama of battle alongside fully realized characters. He handles the theme of heroism well, while not straying into the didactic, and is especially good at depicting the enduring friendship of the two boys as, together, they experience the date that will live in infamy.” — Booklist, starred review
“Gratz accomplishes a feat that is nothing short of brilliant, offering a skillfully wrought narrative laced with global and intergenerational reverberations that signal hope for the future… Poignant, respectful, and historically accurate while pulsating with emotional turmoil, adventure, and suspense.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“The pace is quick (don’t blink or you’ll miss something!), its emotions deeply authentic, and the highly visual settings resonate with accuracy. With a moving author’s note, pertinent back matter, and a surprise twist which brings the book full circle, Gratz delivers another winning read.” — Booklist, starred review
“Gratz’s deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Both an excellent, inclusive narration of important historical events and a fast-paced, entertaining read.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A tautly paced and multifaceted portrait…This gripping novel offers memorable insights into the contributions and alliances of everyday people.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Gratz, who is known for well-written and well-researched historical fiction, doesn’t disappoint. His latest is timely and moving… This compelling novel will help young people make sense of today’s refugee crisis. Meant to be read, discussed, and shared widely.” — School Library Journal
“With urgent, clear-eyed storytelling, Gratz’s Refugee compellingly explores the desperation and strength that unites those struggling for a place to call home.” — Eliot Schrefer, New York Times bestselling author and two-time National Book Award finalist of Rescued and Endangered