The phrase "when stars are scattered" refers to the title of a nonfiction young adult graphic novel co-written by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed. The book tells the true story of Omar and his younger brother Hassan, who grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp called Dadaab. The title metaphorically signifies the comfort Omar found in looking at the night sky in the refugee camp — seeing the stars as fellow refugees scattered and searching for a way home. It evokes a poignant image of resilience and hope amid difficult circumstances of displacement and waiting for a new beginning.
This graphic memoir recounts their life journey from fleeing civil war in Somalia as young children, living with hardship and uncertainty in the camp, to finally resettling in the U.S. The story combines heartbreak, hope, and compassion, offering readers an intimate look at refugee life through personal experiences and illustrated storytelling.
