Reviews

When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed, Victoria Jamieson

lostinfrance's review against another edition

3.0

A graphic novel about the Somalian refugee crisis? Perfect. This is the story of Omar, who left Somalia and walked to the refugee camp in Kenya when he was 4 yeas old with his little brother. His father was killed and his mother was lost when they fleed. He spent the next 13+ years in the camp trying to be hopeful that he will have a future. This book is about his time in Dadaab refugee camp--- caring for his younger brother who has mentally disabled, living with his foster mother Fatuma, going to school-- and spending time with his friends. This touches on the pain of losing friends when they leave the camp, jealousy, child marriage, abuse and many other problems that happen when one is a refugee. This was a sweet story- and a great way for one to learn about Somalians and the hardships of being a refugee.

Read if you want to understand.

2021 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge: a book by a Muslim American author

lmabert's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

sidddsquiddd's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

lportilla's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative

4.5

sarahmcgurren13's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book. What a great topic and well explained for middle grade readers. So well written and heart-wrenching, it can truly teach kids about empathy.

kaysia's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

mannim's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

sc101's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.75

nadiamasood's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel tells a deeply moving account of two brothers living in a refugee camp in Kenya.

By the end of 2023, there were about 19.1 million refugee children and asylum seekers around the world, making books like this essential reading for everyone, especially kids. Victoria Jamieson’s illustrations perfectly capture the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

I really like how this middle-grade novel shows kids and families doing their best to live as normally as possible and make the most of their situation. It highlights just how tough life in a refugee camp can be, but also shows children playing, going to school, and women taking care of kids—even those who aren’t their own.

I love the bond between the brothers. Omar, the older one, takes on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother, Hassan, who has epilepsy and is nonverbal, while also making tough choices about reuniting with their mom, going to school, and possibly moving to a new country.

It’s an inspiring read that offers a real glimpse into the refugee experience through the eyes of a young boy. Despite the tough conditions in the camp, Omar never loses hope. The story illustrates how education can be a path out of poverty and highlights the importance of community and support.

Perfect for middle and high schoolers, this graphic novel is not only engaging but also a great resource for parents and teachers to address global issues and foster empathy. If you love stories about resilience and the human spirit, this one’s a must-read!

juller's review against another edition

5.0

Touching story of Omar and his brother. The drawings pair well with the story.