When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Muhamed

“Be like a star. Shine your light. Shine your story. For stories will lead us home.”

Overview:

Omar and Hassan, two young boys residing in Dadaab, a refugee camp, dream of their days in the Somalia they fled. “Hooyo,” Hassan repeats over and over, frozen in a time no longer in existence, a time where their mother would meet their father for picnic lunches while he was working, a time where Hassan and Omar had a farm and a family and a home. Now, all they have is waiting… waiting for water, waiting for food, and most importantly, waiting for the UN to decide who gets to be resettled overseas. As Omar dreams of a better life for himself and his younger brother, he sets his sights on the stars, praying to Allah for rescue and hoping his mother is still  out there somewhere looking for him. 

Review:

This heart-wrenching tale is the perfect example of how graphic novels can transcend cultures and time, implanting the stories of other’s pain and triumph firmly into the hearts of its readers. It’s been days since I finished Omar’s (autobiographical!) story, and I still cannot shake the wonder of his resilience in his tragic life. Although this book is categorized as Young Adult Fiction, everyone can relate to feeling jealousy and guilt, having to make a difficult decision, the pull of responsibility, the fear of abandonment, and wanting something so desperately that it consumes every thought. As the tears fell freely, I couldn’t help but feel inspired with Omar (and his friends) as he keeps his feet planted firmly on the ground but never forgets to have a dream among the stars.