Monday, January 17, 2022

When Stars Are Scattered


Title:
  When Stars Are Scattered

Author:  Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Publisher:  Dial Books

Date Published:  April 14, 2020

Genre:  Middle Grade, Memoir, Graphic Novel

Rating:  ⭐



My Thoughts:

-    Omar and his brother were forced to leave their home in Somalia and travel to a refugee camp in Kenya. They were separated from their mother, so they were assigned a mother figure at the camp. Life isn't easy for the two brothers, and they are unsure of their future. Omar makes the hard decision to leave his brother each day and go to school. It is the first step of many that leads Omar to the life he has today. 

-    I loved this story about refugees and their trials. It made me so grateful for what I have, and gave me a desire to help those who need it. It also helped me better understand what refugees go through. The book does a wonderful job at portraying the struggle to create a better future, and the struggle of day to day life in the camps.

-    The author's note was vital to fully understand Omar's story. I loved how Jamieson collaborated with Omar to help tell his story. 

-    The illustrations do a wonderful job at portraying the story. They add so much to the dialogue. 

-    My daughter (6th grader) also read the book, and she loved it. She is recommending it to her friends at school. 

-    This beautiful story is one that should be required reading in schools. It is informational, eye-opening, and a joy to read.

8 comments:

  1. Sounds wonderful. and I agree more of need to see these stories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a wonderful book. I'm glad my friend recommended this to me, so I have the opportunity to recommend to others.

      Delete
  2. The book sounds beautiful and like a good one to read. Did Omar and his brother ever find their mother again? Did Omar's brother go to school as well once he was older? I guess I should read the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't want to spoil the book. Both those questions are answered.

      Delete
  3. Yes, it's so important for children to read about refugees, and hopefully gain some empathy and appreciate their own lives. Sound like a perfect book for middle graders.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really is! I hope a lot of middle graders read it.

      Delete
  4. Great review! I enjoyed this book as well. It's so nice that your daughter is recommending it to her friends at school. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes, it warms my heart that my daughter loves to read and shares books with her friends.

      Delete