🟢 Book Review: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jameison and Omar Mohamed
- Mado Omari
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
RATING: 🟢 Recommended
REVIEWER: Mado Omari
REVIEW METHODOLOGY: Louise Derman-Spark's Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books from the Social Justice Books Project, Teaching for Change
"You don’t need to see stars in the sky to know they are there."
This quote reflects the hope and resilience found throughout Omar’s journey in the book.
When Stars Are Scattered is a graphic memoir that tells the story of Omar Mohamed and his
younger brother, Hassan, as they navigate life in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. The
brothers fled Somalia after war separated them from their family. Omar becomes Hassan’s
caregiver, as Hassan has a developmental disability, and they face the daily struggles of
limited food, education, and uncertainty about their future.
The story shows Omar’s determination to make a better life for himself and his brother.
Despite the challenges, Omar works hard to excel in school, hoping for an opportunity to
leave the camp and build a brighter future. The book is filled with moments of heartbreak,
hope, and resilience, and it paints a vivid picture of what life is like for millions of refugees
around the world. It’s not just about survival; it’s about finding hope and connection in even
the hardest circumstances.
Victoria Jamieson, best known for her graphic novel Roller Girl, collaborated with Omar
Mohamed to bring his story to life. Omar’s firsthand experiences bring authenticity and
depth to the narrative, while Jamieson’s illustrations make the story engaging and accessible
for readers of all ages. Together, they create a powerful story that humanizes the refugee
experience and helps readers understand the struggles and resilience of those living in
camps like Dadaab.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it portrays the bond between Omar and
Hassan. Despite the hardships, their relationship is a source of strength and love. Omar’s
struggle to balance his dreams of education with his responsibility to care for Hassan is
deeply moving. Another standout moment is when Omar faces the possibility of resettlement and the tough decision of whether to leave Hassan behind. These moments highlight the difficult choices refugees must make every day.
The book also sheds light on the global refugee crisis. Dadaab, one of the world’s largest
refugee camps, is home to hundreds of thousands of people who have fled violence and
persecution. The story reveals the challenges refugees face, including lack of education,
limited resources, and the uncertainty of resettlement. At the same time, it shows the
strength and hope that communities like Dadaab foster, even in the face of such challenges.
The illustrations add another layer to the story, capturing both the struggles and small joys of life in the camp. Jamieson’s style brings emotion and humanity to every scene, making the
story relatable for readers of all backgrounds.
I strongly recommend When Stars Are Scattered. It’s a beautifully told story that sheds light
on the lives of refugees in a way that is both accessible and deeply impactful. The book does
an excellent job of showing the humanity behind the headlines and statistics, giving readers
a personal connection to the global refugee crisis. The story is emotional and inspiring, but it also doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life in a refugee camp. It’s an important read for anyone who wants to better understand the struggles and resilience of refugees. While it’s written for younger readers, it’s a book that can be appreciated by people of all ages. The only minor drawback is that the story, being a graphic memoir, doesn’t delve as deeply into some of the systemic issues affecting refugees. However, it provides an excellent
starting point for discussions about these issues and inspires readers to learn more and take
action. This book is not just a story about survival; it’s a story about hope, family, and the strength of the human spirit. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the refugee experience.
RESOURCES
UNHCR: Stories from Dadaab: https://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/kenya-s-dadaab-struggles-new-influx-somalis-fleeing-drought
Victoria Jamieson’s Website: https://www.victoriajamieson.com/
Refugee Resettlement Information - USA: https://www.state.gov/refugee-
resettlement-in-the-united-states/
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
REVIEWER BIO: Mado Omari was a student at Portland State University and took Zapoura Newton-Calvert's Social Justice in K12 Curriculum course. Their volunteer work was a partnership with Reading Is Resistance and the Social Justice Books Project from Teaching for Change.
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