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When Stars Are Scattered
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
74 posts | 52 read | 37 to read
Heartbreak and hope exist together in this remarkable graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a Somali refugee to the Newbery Honor winning creator of Roller Girl. Omar and his little brother, Hassan, arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, seven years ago. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbors who were fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after his brother, who has an intellectual disability. When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university--and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day? Told in Victoria Jamieson's engaging and accessible graphic-novel style and based on Omar Mohamed's gripping true story, this book is an intimate, important look at day-to-day life in a refugee camp.
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ms.gabourel
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

“When Omar Mohamed was a boy living in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, he loved picture books. But his school only had about three or four; the teachers brought them out for the children to read just a few times a year. Now he's the star of his own picture book...“ I found an NPR article about Mohamed and I thought that this part was full circle, especially considering how Omar felt about school initially. I'm so happy for the brothers success.

review
ms.gabourel
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book and I would certainly have it in my classroom library. I like how the book was able to discuss difficult topics in an approachable manner without stripping them of emotional depth. I really enjoyed graphic novels in middle school because of how the illustrations helped the story come to life. I also liked how this was a memoir; I think it would fit great into a memoir unit to add some variety.

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ms.gabourel
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

Fatuma's dedication to the boys was so sweet and inspiring. When she found out about Hassan's seizures she stepped up to the plate instead of being discouraged by the other women's comments or even by the n nature of the situation, Fatuma provides for the boys. She then tells them about her own boys who were killed. I teared up when Fatuma cryied over how the goat died because she “want a good enough mother.“

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ms.gabourel
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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This part of the story reminded me partially of the part of “Solito“ when Javier is interviewed by immigration with the neighborhood man who was pretending that Javier was his son. Both scenes capture the discomfort of being under scrutiny knowing that the result of the interview could change your life forever.

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kodieleidson
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

When I reached the end of the novel, I found myself feeling very emotional about it all. Reading about how they reunited with their mother was so touching and heartfelt. I‘m not normally very emotional when it comes to reading so it was very moving to find myself feeling so emotional about it all. This is definitely a book I want to add to my school library. I‘m curious if its at my placement schools library.

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kodieleidson
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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I think it‘s really important how the author showed that Hassan was more than his disability and that he could help himself. I think it was a pivotal point where Omar realized this about Hassan and overall thought it bonded the more as well.

ms.gabourel I agree! I loved the representation of Hassan's disability and the journey that he went through. 3mo
1 comment
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kodieleidson
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I really loved the choice to make this a graphic novel. It‘s more impactful this way as we are able to see wha the camps were like and how they ran. It helped me feel more connected having that visual. Using this as a medium for this work was a fantastic choice by the author.

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DanyYnad
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
Pickpick

This was such a deeply moving and well illustrated story! I really loved looking into the full life experiences that Omar had throughout each step of his journey and seeing where it all took him. I'd love to include this book in a unit focusing on memoirs because it would be great to include something other than an autobiography and is great to ease into larger texts as a whole. Overall, I love it and it has so much potential in a classroom.

sarabeth_donaldson This is a great memoir! If you wanted to do a unit focusing on a theme, this and “Lobizona“ would be great for a theme of belonging and home! 4mo
1 like1 comment
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DanyYnad
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I've appreciated how this book has handled the extremely difficult topics which are present with everything from relocation, separation from family, poverty, homelessness, and more. It is difficult to have conversation about these topics, especially with younger audiences, and this novel especially with the graphics of everything really allows you to slowly grasp onto everything being told and allows for a deeper understanding of a hard situation.

Alexa_Cussans I also found myself really enjoying this book! I really like how uplifting it is, despite dealing with harsh topics. 4mo
1 like1 comment
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DanyYnad
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I've been really enjoying reading this story and I think it's one of my favorites from the reading list so far. I always love the stories of family, resilience, and overcoming hardships which is all that Omar focuses on and does throughout his journey. It can be difficult to feel like your experience is relatable if there's nothing showing that same story, and I appreciate this book for how it literally shows this story for those who can relate.

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DanyYnad
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I was excited to see a graphic novel on the reading list! I always leaned more towards graphic novels in middle school and I know it attracts a lot of “non-readers” like I was. I really enjoy the art style and the visual aspect always adds so many details that are so useful as the story is being told especially when it‘s an unknown experience to many.

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ms.reagan
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
Pickpick

I would completely recommend this book because of how powerful the message of this novel is. It teaches students how impactful and motivating an education can be, as well as the resilience it takes to pursue your dreams in the face of extreme hardships!

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ms.reagan
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I love how this book touches on the hardships that women/girls face when trying to pursue their education around the world. It calls attention to the gender inequality that so many girls have to endure and how they persevere in spite of the hurdles they must face.

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ms.reagan
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

As I‘m reading this book, I love how colorful all the illustrations are! It really brings the book to life and the lives of the characters as well. Additionally, I love Omar‘s conviction to take care of his brother and commit himself to making their lives as easy as possible, even in the face of being without their mother. Knowing that this is a true story makes it even more admirable! Omar is definitely one of the most compelling characters!

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ms.reagan
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I love the fact that this is a graphic novel! Personally, I feel like graphic novels are underutilized in the classroom because while they might seem a little juvenile, you can still tell a very meaningful story. You get insight into character descriptions, reactions, and more; which all contribute to reader comprehension and the reading experience!

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Laurenwhite0508
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

The relationship between Omar and Hassan is the part of this book that I enjoyed the most. Sibling relationships are very unique and I think that the author captured that perfectly. Omar's love and care for Hassan is a central theme in this book and I think that anyone with siblings would get a lot from this book. I love the idea of using this in a middle school classroom.

abbyleap I agree with you! As someone with a younger sibling myself, I understand sometimes how fundamental a person's relationships with their siblings is to their character holistically. Omar and Hassan's relationship felt really real and relatable, and that really sold the book for me. 4mo
sofiajurado I totally agree and that was something that stood out to me a lot too. As an older sibling I empathized a lot with Omar's want to protect Hassan. I also loved the progression of his view of Hassan's ability to thrive on his own without so much coddling. 4mo
ms.reagan I completely agree with you! Sibling relationships are some of the rawest, frustrating, yet fulfilling relationships ever! I feel like students would totally relate to either Omar or Hassan, and that could bring around some pretty sound discussion. 4mo
3 comments
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Laurenwhite0508
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I love the illustrations in this book. They have a child-like softness to them and the illustrator was very intentional about color. I recently read another graphic novel and did not notice this, but in this one the mood of the page is indicated by the primary colors of the illustrations. If the characters are sad, the page is mostly blue, scared, orange or red. This may be all graphic novels, but I thought this was a cool touch that added a lot.

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Laurenwhite0508
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I think that something very special about this book is the range of trials that the characters are experiencing. This book tackles subjects such as homelessness, disability, being separated from family, and so much more. While I don't think that they're experience as a whole is relatable to every young reader, these characters overcome so much in this book that I do think that young readers could see themselves in some parts of these characters.

DanyYnad I also really loved how this book explores these topics which aren't even known by a lot of people and gives us a look into them. I feel like its potential in a unit surrounding similar hardships would definitely include this book and it's great for middle grades! 4mo
1 comment
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sofiajurado
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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I just finished the book and the last part was super emotional for me. I cried a few times as the story started to wrap up, especially when I saw the pictures and read the afterword where we find out that Omar and Hassan finally reunite with their mother. Maryam's poem was also very moving. Overall, I think this was such an amazing read and I would absolutely add this to my classroom library.

abbytayloryalit I also teared up while reading this book. I was surprised that the brothers were able to reunite with their mother. At the beginning of the book, I assumed she had died and they had false hope. I was pleasantly surprised by them being able to reconnect. 4mo
abbyleap I also cried when I finished the book, actually. I think there's something to be said about the thematic importance of the concept of hope throughout the graphic novel, and I understand really latching onto that and how it made me really emotional in the end. 4mo
DanyYnad The afterword made me tear up! I loved how the book included it and how it wrapped up all the deep emotions and troubles that Omar went through and how it all came full circle in the end. 4mo
kodieleidson I was also super emotional during that part! I was SO glad they were able to reunite with their mother.
3mo
4 comments
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sofiajurado
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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I liked how Omar realized that Hassan wasn't completely helpless just because he had a disability. I'm about halfway through the book, but seeing him start having more faith in Hassan and trust that others can take care of him when he can't was really great. I hope that as the story continues, we see this aspect of their relationship progress more because Omar puts a lot of pressure on himself to be a caretaker.

ms.miranda_readsbooks This was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. It is so important to highlights that we all have our own individual gifts, and even the people we might underestimate have the greatest gifts of all. I am really glad Omar decided to include this in the book because I think it is so important for middle grades students! 4mo
1 like1 comment
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sofiajurado
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I think it was the right choice to tell this story as a graphic novel. The visual aspects and being able to physically see what the refugee camps were like helped me connect with the story a lot more than if it was only described. You also get to see Omar and Hassan's close bond and the way they interact with the other kids. The visual medium was very powerful.

abbyleap I agree with you! I think it made me really think about what refugee camps really look like, and tested my preconceived notions and ideas about refugees more holistically. It made me more aware of my privilege in that matter, too. 4mo
1 comment
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Alexa_Cussans
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Pickpick

I found this book to be a beautiful and empowering story about family and perseverance. Throughout this book, I found myself stunned by the gorgeous visuals and complex themes within the narrative. I love how this story focuses on the importance of education and working hard towards your goals despite your circumstances. I think this is an important story that every child should check out.

sarabeth_donaldson I agree! I LOVE stories that highlight the importance of education and literacy; for example, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass”. For that reason alone, I think “When Stars are Scattered” would be a great book to have in the classroom. 4mo
abbytayloryalit I also loved the evolution of the idea of education throughout the story. I really liked how Fatuma wasn't originally on board with Omar attending school but eventually came around to the idea. 4mo
colby_reads I also enjoyed how the story focused on education as a way to make a better life for one's self. I was also impressed by Omar's commitment to his studies. With everything he had to deal with, he still kept education as a top priority, and it paid off for him in the end. 4mo
1 like3 comments
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kristinsmoyer
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Wow, this has been my favorite book from this class! One of my favorite lines was, “The United Nations may decide whether I leave or stay…but only I could decide what I would make of my life”. Omar learned a lesson essential to living a positive life: one cannot control all aspects of their circumstances but one can control how they respond to/what they make of those circumstances. This book promotes gratitude, hope, family, and perseverance!

Alexa_Cussans I also loved this book! I really like how it focuses on family and perseverance. 4mo
colby_reads I loved this book as well! Many great life lessons are embedded throughout this story, and I feel like many students would benefit from reading this! 4mo
1 like2 comments
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Laurenwhite0508
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I have gotten to read two graphic novels over the last two weeks because of my choice reading and I am really glad that it worked out this way. Although each of these novels are very different, there is something very special about the way that graphic novels can explore scary topics extensively, but alongside the graphics I think that it can make these topics much easier to bear, especially for younger students. I really like this as a MS book.

Alexa_Cussans I also find graphic novels to be helpful when digesting sensitive topics. I believe the visuals make things look less scary. 4mo
1 like1 comment
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kristinsmoyer
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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It broke my heart when Omar thought he saw his mom in a crowd and was disappointed. He seemed ashamed of himself for having any expectation of seeing her. It made him wonder whether she had chosen to abandon them. His hopelessness and worries of being unwanted were really sad to read. Also, though Omar‘s circumstances are much more difficult than most, it was relatable how he wanted to go back to school to distract his mind from overthinking.

Alexa_Cussans I also found this moment to be very heart-breaking! I really like how something so sad and complex can be expressed in only a few panels. 4mo
AriaBlue Omar using school as a distraction is something I can relate to because I've gone through difficult times and school does keep me from thinking about my situations. 4mo
2 likes2 comments
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Alexa_Cussans
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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I really love how this graphic novel depicts people who disabilities. For instance, in chapter five, Omar‘s friend tells him that him and Hassan, people with disabilities, are not “babies” and can contribute to society like everyone else. I thought this was a very powerful moment in the novel and believe that it could benefit students who may not know how to test their disabled peers.

ms.reagan I loved this so much!! So often people with disabilities are babied or seen as less than capable human beings, and I loved how these authors advocated for their agency! 4mo
1 like1 comment
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kristinsmoyer
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Omar‘s joy from finally having access to education and the way he excitedly shares his knowledge with his brother reminds me of how privileged I and many in this country are to have access to an education. Though knowledge is immaterial, it is powerful! Aside from that, jumping to another topic, I love how Omar‘s religion is incorporated into the book, as his connection with God provided hope and perspective amidst his sorrows.

Laurenwhite0508 I love your take on the role of education in this book. I felt the same way and it also makes me think that this could be an eye-opening book for some students who have never thought about their education in this way. I think that that, combined with the fact that this book is a graphic novel, makes this book uniquely intriguing. The combination of that and the topics discussed in the book make this a great option for a middle school classroom. 4mo
1 comment
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Eggs
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Pickpick

This is the story of Somalians Omar Mohamed and his brother Hassan, who subsist in a refugee camp in Kenya. A story that is sad but hopeful, as well as true-told to the author by Omar

#Pantone2024
#ReadAway2024

DieAReader 🥳Great! 4mo
Eggs @DieAReader Thank you 🩷🩵💜 4mo
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Alexa_Cussans
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

I just started reading When Stars Are Scattered! I was really surprised to find out that this was a graphic novel. I really like the art style in this book. Everything looks so colorful and playful, an interesting contrast to the content in the story. I believe that middle school students would really enjoy a book like this due to its simple format and handling complex topics in a digestible way.

Laurenwhite0508 I also was not aware that this was a graphic novel! I agree with you that the illustrations add a lot to the content of this book. I am slowly coming around to graphic novels and I think that this one exemplifies reasons why they should be included in classrooms. You make a great point about this being more digestible for a middle schooler. Graphic novels could be a great gateway to more intense content in a middle school classroom. 4mo
kristinsmoyer I would love to read this book with middle schoolers! I loved the themes of perseverance and family, and it‘d be a great way to incorporate current events. Maybe even having a classroom opportunity to donate to one of the websites mentioned at the end of the book would be neat! 4mo
ms.miranda_readsbooks The first thing I thought of when I first started reading was how great it would be for middle grades kids! The art style and writing seems like something that they would feel drawn to and feel pretty comfortable reading, which is always a win in my book. 4mo
2 likes3 comments
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sarabeth_donaldson
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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I really like the detail Jamieson and Mohamed included in certain parts of this book; for example, the letters “UNHCR” on the tents. I also like how, throughout the book, the author highlights different languages- not just English.

Laurenwhite0508 I also noticed this and thought it was a very thoughtful touch to the book. The use of different languages throughout this book reminded me of “Solito“. In each of these books the authors did a wonderful job incorporating other languages, which I think is a great way to pull readers even deeper into the world that they are reading about. 4mo
amw40488 Details like these make graphic novels feel so immersive to me! They may not explicitly add anything to plot of the story, but they help shape the context of the story. Just by seeing the letters on the tent or the different languages spoken, I understand just a little bit more about the world this novel is set in, which I think is so cool! 4mo
Alexa_Cussans I also love how subtle the details are in this novel! I didn‘t even notice this until you pointed it out! I also really like how the author incorporated multiple languages into their story, like Solito or I Must Betray You 4mo
ms.miranda_readsbooks I didn't even notice the letters on the tents! That is such a nice touch to add. I also loved the different languages and people that were included in the book. I feel like it did a good job of showing all the people from different countries that were at this camp. 4mo
2 likes4 comments
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abbyleap
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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This panel actually made me tear up, which was unexpected to be honest. I was talking with a friend yesterday about the importance of literature (he is a math major) in the world; granted, so rarely does lit lead to material wealth in any form, but so often does it make life worth living. To think that even Omar and Hassan and the other refugees found solace in stories is heartwarming, and reminds me of the interconnectedness that lit fosters.

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abbyleap
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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This page made me think a lot about my grandmother, actually; she grew up in an extremely poor family with fourteen siblings, and dropped out of high school to take care of the siblings and her parents' farm. While she doesn't have the exact same story as Omar and Hassan, I think about the decisions that she had to make and the way that she fought to stay in school, even though it didn't work out for her in the end.

kristinsmoyer It was eye opening to see the situation many women experience in the world concerning education. I felt sad that Maryam had little choice concerning who she would marry and ultimately little agency over her education. 4mo
1 comment
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abbyleap
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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This moment in the graphic novel was a lot for me. Before applying to the Engl Educ major, I thought a lot about what education meant, both for me and for people around the world. Education is access, empowerment, and opportunity. I cannot relate to Omar's story here, but I can empathize; the fear and concern and the hope and the turmoil of emotions that he's feeling really hit me quite hard.

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RebL
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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This is just a yes. Omar Mohamed first arrived in the US in my adopted hometown & graduated from the university where I work. Anyway, no book blurb will do this book justice. Must read & experience.

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jdowney
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

In a refugee camp, everything can change…and nothing can change. I‘m still here, so that hasn‘t changed.

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jdowney
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

My fourth graders watched a book trailer for this and were instantly intrigued. Many of them have read it already and are sharing the book with each other.

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jdowney
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
Pickpick

A story of two brothers who were separated from their mother during the war in Somalia. They are living in a refugee camp. The novel goes through their time in the refugee camp as they grow and have to make decisions.

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Rachiiebookdragon
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
Pickpick
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Smrloomis
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Pickpick

Amazing. Just amazing.

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Singout
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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My progress on #ReadingAfrica2022: four countries, with post-apcocalyptic novel, a murder mystery, a kids' book, and a bail.

Librarybelle Great progress! And, a nice variety! 3y
BarbaraBB Doing good!!! 3y
12 likes2 comments
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Singout
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Pickpick

This was really thoughtful and well written: I appreciated that the audio was done using different voices which really made it come to life. The true story of young Omar Mohamed, who shares a bit at the end, caring for his disabled younger brother and seeking freedom from a refugee camp in Kenya after fleeing war-torn Somalia.
#Booked2022 #Weather
#ReadingAfrica2022 #Somalia

Librarybelle That is so cool about the audio! I agree that it makes the book come alive. @BarbaraBB - another great choice for Somalia! 3y
BarbaraBB Sounds very good indeed! 3y
Cinfhen Fantastic choice!! Might use this for #Somalia 🤩 3y
Singout Yes, it could technically apply to either Somalia or Kenya. 3y
16 likes4 comments
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Singout
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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“For me, the first years are lost.”
#FirstLineFridays

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TamTracy
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Pickpick

Read this with my son. Amazing graphic novel. Really pulls you in and puts thing into perspective. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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lindseypro21
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed

2 hours 12 minutes for 264 pages read. #24hourreadathon

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GirlNamedJesse
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Pickpick

While ultimately hopeful, I feel like I‘ve been through the wringer.

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AvidReader25
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Pickpick

I read this graphic novel in audio form after I saw it recommended because of the excellent full-cast recording. The book is the true story of 2 Somalian boys who lived in a Kenyan refugee camp for years. Omar, the eldest, feels responsible for his young, mute brother. They live w/their foster mother, struggle to go to school, get an interview w/the UN to be placed in a new country & to find peace when the world is completely out of their control.

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gibblr
When Stars Are Scattered | Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Pickpick

Oh my heart! Please go read this so I‘m not the only one crying while reading a graphic novel. This one was SO good.

thegirlwiththelibrarybag Have placed a reserve on it! I can‘t go past graphic novel recommendations ☺️ 3y
gibblr @thegirlwiththelibrarybag Yay! I‘d love to hear what you think. And be sure to read the authors‘ notes at the end. I also just read another one called Snapdragon, which I loved as well...just in case you want to add that to your list! 😊 3y
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