When Stars are Scattered

Review This engaging, heartwarming story does everything one can ask of a book, and then some. ― Kirkus A personal and poignant entry point for young readers trying to understand an unfair world ― Publishers Weekly 'Fantastic graphic novel . . . Jamieson's lively charismatic art and Mohamed's remarkable life story will make young readers care about Omar and Hassan. -- Alan Gratz ― The New York Times Book Review With this sensitive and poignant tale, Jamieson and Mohamed express the power of the human spirit to persevere. ― School Library Journal Poignant and heart-wrenching... Beautifully illustrated... A book that will stick with you long after you finish reading ― The Scotsman Revealing, memorable and ultimately hopeful, [this] book not only widens our understanding, it demands our engagement and reponse ― Books for Keeps This beautiful memoir is not to be missed. ― Booklist A true tale of resilience and hope brought to life in this graphic novel memoir ... This is an outstanding book that is truly engaging, educative and heart-breaking but ultimately a story of hope and doing the best you can. An essential purchase for schools. -- Joy Court ― LoveReading Should be the top of everyone's reading pile. It covers so much from personal experiences of refugees fleeing war to women's rights, equality of education and living with disability. I'd say that it may be the best graphic novel I've read ― The Reader Teacher This riveting graphic novel chronicles the young Omar's real-life experience during the 15 years he and his little brother spent as Somali refugees in the U.N.-run Dabaab camp in Kenya. ― The New York Times Book Review Product Description A heart-wrenching true story about life in a Kenyan refugee camp that will restore your faith in real-life happy endings. Omar and his brother Hassan, two Somali boys, have spent a long time in the Dadaab refugee camp. Separated from their mother, they are looked after by a friendly stranger. Life in the camp isn't always easy. The hunger is constant . . . but there's football to look forward to, and now there's a chance Omar will get to go to school . . . With a heart-wrenching fairytale ending, this incredible true story is brought to life by Victoria's stunning illustrations. This book perfectly depicts life in a refugee camp for 8-12 year olds. 'Does everything one can ask of a book, and then some.' Kirkus 'Fantastic graphic novel.' The New York Times Book Review 'Sensitive and poignant.' School Library Journal 'Not to be missed.' Booklist Book Description A heart-wrenching true story about life in a Kenyan refugee camp that will restore your faith in real-life happy endings. About the Author Victoria Jamieson is the creator of the graphic novels All's Faire in Middle School and Newbery Honor winner Roller Girl. She received her BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and worked as a children's book designer before becoming a freelance illustrator. She has also worked as a portrait artist aboard a cruise ship, and has lived in Australia, Italy, and Canada. Now she lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. Omar Mohamed spent his childhood at the Dadaab camp, after his father was killed and he was separated from his mother in Somalia. He devoted everything to taking care of his younger brother, Hassan, and to pursuing his education. He now lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife and five children, and works at a center to help resettle other refugees. He is the founder of Refugee Strong, a non-profit organization that empowers students living in refugee camps. He still works with the Dadaab camp and travels back there once a year.