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When Stars Are Scattered

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"When Stars Are Scattered" is a heartwarming graphic novel memoir that follows the story of two Somali refugee brothers, Omar and Hassan, living in a camp in Kenya. The book delves into the challenges and resilience of the brothers as they navigate life in the camp, the struggles of being separated from their mother, and the daily hardships they face. Through vibrant illustrations and a simple yet powerful writing style, the book offers a poignant and eye-opening glimpse into the lives of refugees, capturing themes of hope, family, and perseverance.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Omar as a resilient caretaker, Hassan embodying innocence, and Fatuma representing the supportive community.

Writing/Prose:

The writing combines heartfelt prose with engaging illustrations, making complex themes accessible to young readers while evoking deep emotions.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on the journey of two brothers in a refugee camp, exploring their struggles for family and a better future, intertwined with themes of hope and resilience.

Setting:

Set in a Kenyan refugee camp amidst the Somali civil war, the environment shapes the characters' experiences and struggles.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, particularly after the setup, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters' journeys.

Notes:

The story follows two Somali refugee brothers, Omar and Hassan, living in a Kenyan refugee camp for seven years.
It highlights the themes of hope, resilience, and the struggles of refugees.
The book is based on a true story and was co-created by Omar Mohamed, who shares his life experiences.
It uses stunning illustrations to convey deep emotional messages to young readers.
Children in the camp had to make their own soccer balls out of plastic bags, showing their resourcefulness.
The graphic novel format makes complex subjects accessible to children as young as 8.
It introduces discussions about social issues, such as family roles, education, and the challenges faced by refugees.
Many readers find the book emotionally moving, making them reflect on their own lives and privileges.
The author encourages discussions between parents and children about life differences and shared humanity.
The book is suitable for a wide age range and has resonated with both children and adults, making it a timeless read.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of war, refugee struggles, and emotional distress.

From The Publisher:

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.

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