Victoria Jamieson’s When Stars are Scattered Graphic Novel. For the full lesson on Teachers Pay Teachers click HERE.

Victoria Jamieson’s When Starts are Scattered

Victoria Jamieson’s When Stars are Scattered is an award-winning graphic novel written by Victoria Jamieson and illustrated by Omar Mohamed. It tells the story of Omar, an eight-year-old Somali boy living in a refugee camp in Kenya. The novel follows Omar as he navigates life in the camp with his little brother Hassan and caretaker Deeyo while awaiting news of their parents’ whereabouts. This powerful story offers a unique perspective on the struggles faced by many refugees around the world.

Engage in Meaningful Conversation When Stars Are Scattered provides teachers with an opportunity to engage their students in meaningful conversations about topics such as displacement, poverty, racism, and identity. It also encourages students to think critically about what it means to be part of a family even when separated from one another by physical distance or political circumstances. Through this book, teachers can help their students gain empathy for those living in different countries or cultures and foster understanding around issues that may seem far away but have global implications.

Discuss Important Topics The book also offers educators a chance to discuss other important topics such as perseverance and resilience. For example, throughout the story Omar demonstrates how he is able to remain hopeful despite difficult circumstances and how he finds ways to make something out of nothing in order to help his younger brother Hassan feel safe and secure. Such themes provide students with positive examples of how they can stay strong during difficult times while also finding joy in life’s little moments.

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Themes in When Stars Are Scattered
When Stars Are Scattered deals with some difficult topics, including poverty, violence, separation from family members, and displacement. But despite these hard topics, Jamieson’s story is ultimately one of hope and resilience. Through Omar’s eyes, readers learn about the strength that comes from supporting others even when times are tough and about finding joy even in difficult circumstances. At its heart, this is a story about family—both biological family members and those we choose for ourselves.

Omar’s Relationship with Hassan When Stars Are Scattered tells the story of Omar and his younger brother Hassan who are Somali refugees living in a refugee camp in Kenya. The book follows their daily lives as they cope with displacement, poverty, and inadequate healthcare while also trying to stay connected to their mother who left them to seek work elsewhere. It offers readers—both young and old—a unique perspective on the refugee experience that can be eye-opening as well as very informative.

Omar’s Friendship With Deeyo
One key relationship in the book is between Omar and Deeyo, a man who helps look after him and Hassan in the camp. While they initially clash because of their differences—Deeyo is much older than Omar—the two eventually form a strong bond as they work together to help Hassan receive medical treatment for his cerebral palsy. Despite their age difference, Deeyo becomes an important father figure for both boys over the course of the novel.

Using When Stars Are Scattered In Classrooms or Book Clubs
When Stars Are Scattered can be used to teach empathy as well as help students better understand global issues such as displacement due to war or poverty. Given its graphic nature, this novel may be best suited for upper elementary school classrooms (4th grade or higher) but could also be used with middle schoolers or high schoolers depending on their reading level and maturity level. Additionally, it would make an excellent choice for any book club looking to explore empathy-building through literature! Novel Study click HERE.

When Stars Are Scattered is an emotionally charged graphic novel perfect for discussing empathy building as well as global issues such as displacement due to war or poverty with upper elementary school students (4th grade or higher). Written by acclaimed author Victoria Jamieson and illustrated by Omar Mohamed—the real-life inspiration behind main character Omar—this powerful story offers a unique perspective on many of today’s refugee experiences while celebrating resilience through friendship despite hardships faced along the way. It’s sure to open up conversations among educators, librarians, parents, book clubs —and most importantly—young readers alike! To read a blog post Night by Elie Wiesel click HERE.