Parents' Guide to

When Stars Are Scattered

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Uplifting graphic novel refugee tale inspires compassion.

Book Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed Graphic Novel 2020
When Stars Are Scattered Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 10+

Based on 3 parent reviews

soh13
soh13 Parent of 7, 10 and 15-year-old
May 17, 2022
age 10+

A thoroughly enjoyable, important book to read

This book was thoroughly enjoyable, engaging, emotional and educational. We read Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson and my child loved it so much that I found another book by her. This was a graphic novel as well . The book was a great one to read together so we could talk about what was going on. There were a lot if questions and being a book about refugees there were a lot of times that the book was confronting but written in such a gentle way that it was educational and not too upsetting. I would love schools to study this book at a Grade 6, year 7 level. All I can say is wow. I an so glad I picked this up and I'm sad it's over. Well done Omar Mohamed. You are very impressive. Great book!!!!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
mzea
mzea Adult
November 19, 2021
age 9+

This title has:

Educational value
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED is the story of Omar, a boy of about 11 who's been living in a refugee camp in Kenya since he was about 4. That was when soldiers came to the farm where he was born in Somalia. Omar's father was killed, and while running from the danger Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, were separated from their mother. He and his brother eventually make it to a refugee camp in Kenya where they're paired with a foster mother, Fatuma. Hassan has special needs, and Omar has promised to always take care of him. So when Omar gets a chance to go to school at long last, he's not sure if he should be away from Hassan for so many hours a day. But Hassan is capable of more than even Omar knows. Omar and Hassan spend the next 15 years growing up in the camp, always hoping to find their mother again, and endlessly waiting to be chosen for resettlement.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (5):

This is an engaging, compelling, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting graphic novel that will inspire and amaze readers of all ages. When Stars Are Scattered, based on co-author Omar Mohamed's memories of growing up in a refugee camp, puts a personal face on a crisis that affects millions around the world. He and co-author and illustrator Victoria Jamieson manage this moving story with simple, often elegant words and with lively pictures that use bright and beautiful colors. It's almost impossible not to admire Omar's spirit and appreciate the lessons he learns about family, faith, community, hope, and perseverance.

A flashback sequence when Omar tells how he and his brother lost their home and family, and about their long journey to the refugee camp, is scary and sad. Sadness from losing his parents is also mentioned a lot, so be prepared to help younger readers who connect to the story work through any fears that may come up. Everything has a safe resolution, and reading the Afterward and Author's Note will bring even more resolution to the story. The ending is poetic and bittersweet, so have a tissue handy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the positive messages in When Stars Are Scattered. What do you think Omar would like us to learn from his story?

  • What are Omar's character strengths? Does he have any weaknesses?

  • What did you learn about what it's like to be a refugee? What surprised you about it? What kinds of things can you do to help people who need it?

Book Details

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