When Stars are Scattered
What’s inside...
A National Book Award Finalist, this remarkable graphic novel is about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee to the Newbery Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl. Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, have spent most of their lives in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Life is hard there: never enough food, achingly dull, and without access to the medical care Omar knows his nonverbal brother needs. So when Omar has the opportunity to go to school, he knows it might be a chance to change their future . . . but it would also mean leaving his brother, the only family member he has left, every day. Heartbreak, hope, and gentle humor exist together in this graphic novel about a childhood spent waiting, and a young man who is able to create a sense of family and home in the most difficult of settings. It's an intimate, important, unforgettable look at the day-to-day life of a refugee, as told to New York Times Bestselling author/artist Victoria Jamieson by Omar Mohamed, the Somali man who lived the story.
Age
9-12
Length
264 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Omar Mohamed
Hassan
Maryam
Jeri
Nimo
Fatuma
Discussion points
How do you think Omar felt when he had to take care of his younger brother in the refugee camp?
What are some ways that you can help friends or siblings who are in difficult situations?
Why do you think education was so important to Omar and Hassan?
How did the people in the refugee camp support each other, and what can we learn from their sense of community?
If you were Omar, what would you have done differently, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, remind your child of the main events and characters in the story to make the conversation smoother.
Validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they express them; this helps them feel comfortable sharing more.
Connect the story to your child’s life by asking if they’ve ever felt similar emotions or faced similar challenges.
Encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in Omar’s shoes or how they think other characters felt during key events.
Ask open-ended questions that don't have a right or wrong answer to encourage critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing adversity
Explanation: The story follows two Somali brothers in a refugee camp, showcasing their struggles and perseverance despite difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain hopeful and keep trying even when faced with challenges, fostering a strong mental attitude towards personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The protagonist’s care for his brother and interactions with others in the camp highlight the importance of understanding and support towards people in distress.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more considerate and supportive of their peers who might be going through tough times, enhancing social bonds and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: Despite living in a refugee camp, the main characters strive for education, showing its value in providing opportunities and hope for a better future.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate their educational opportunities and be motivated to pursue learning with dedication and purpose.
Example Lesson: Community and friendship
Explanation: Throughout their challenges, the characters find strength in friendships and community bonds formed within the camp.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building supportive relationships and contributing positively to their communities.