When Stars are Scattered

by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

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.

Recommended for readers ages 9-12 years (grades 4-7).

Read the first three chapters here.

Link to Educator Resources from the publisher here.

Softcover, 264 pages.  5.81 x 8.29 inches.

Penguin Random House Books.

Additional Resources:

Refugee Strong This is the website of Omar Mohamed's non-profit organization. He works to deliver school supplies and other resources to kids living and attending school in Dadaab.

Muzamil's Day In this special audio episode for kids, FRONTLINE follows a day in the life of Muzamil, a 12-year-old Somali boy growing up in Kenya’s Dadaab Refugee Camp. Producer Bianca Giaever and Reporter Roopa Gogineni bring him questions from American kids about what it’s like growing up in a refugee camp. Are there dentists? A fire department? What is your dreamland? Muzamil takes us through his daily life, answering questions from American kids along the way. (22 minutes)

Dreams From Dadaab A clip from the Dadaab Animation project. A short film featuring young students from Dadaab and their animation work. (3 1/2 minutes)

Educational Challenges A glimpse into a primary school in Dadaab, and the challenges facing young people who want an education. (2 minutes)

Dagahaley Tour A tour through some of the streets, homes, and markets in Dadaab. (3 1/2 minutes)

Ifo Market A tour through the market in Ifo camp (where the story takes place) (3 minutes)

Dadaab Stories A collection of films made by residents of Dadaab. 

A Conversation with Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson A presentation filmed for our virtual book launch. (48 minutes)