By Victoria Jamieson Omar Mohamed
Two brothers, one refugee camp, and a chance for a new life that might mean leaving one of them behind.
“When Stars Are Scattered” is a gripping graphic novel memoir that humanizes the refugee experience through Omar’s childhood in Kenya’s Dadaab camp. Eleven-year-old Omar shoulders adult responsibilities, caring for his younger brother Hassan, who is nonverbal and has epilepsy, while navigating food shortages, endless queues, and the haunting absence of their mother. When offered a chance to attend school, Omar faces a wrenching choice: pursue education to potentially lift them out of poverty or stay to protect Hassan. The story balances raw honesty with moments of warmth, like Omar’s friendships and the steadfast support of foster mom Fatuma. Jamieson’s vivid illustrations amplify the emotional weight of their daily struggles and small victories, making the camp’s harsh realities accessible without overwhelming younger readers.
This book is an exceptional resource for teaching SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 4: Quality Education. Omar’s relentless pursuit of schooling amidst scarcity illustrates education’s role in breaking poverty cycles, while scenes of food ration lines and inadequate healthcare ground SDG 1 in tangible examples. The IB learner profile traits “Caring,” “Risk-taker,” and “Open-minded” emerge through Omar’s selfless care for Hassan, his courage to embrace uncertain opportunities, and his nuanced understanding of resilience.
Educators can use the graphic novel format to spark discussions on global refugee crises, asking students to compare their classroom experiences with Omar’s makeshift school. Consider pairing reading groups with activities like mapping refugee migration routes or analyzing how education access varies worldwide. This isn’t just a window into refugee life, it reflects universal themes of hope, making it a transformative addition to any middle-grade library.
