When Stars are Scattered discussion questions and When Stars are Scattered Review written by the Ent on 1/20/21. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Read When Stars are Scattered
Book: When Stars are Scattered
Author: Omar Mohamed and Illustrated by Victoria Jamieson
Genre: Memoir, Graphic Novel
Age suggested: 8 and up
Release Date: April 14th, 2020
Themes: Refugees, Immigration, Responsibility, Coming of Age, Human Rights
Warnings: The story of this book follows 2 boys as their homeland is attacked. Many characters deal with death of or missing loved ones. There are also examples of blatant sexism and abusive parents.
Quick When Stars are Scattered Summary
This graphic novel follows the story of a young boy, Omar, and his little brother who has nuerodiversities. Their home country has been attacked and their mother sends them away in order to keep them safe. Omar must learn to navigate and grow within the refugee camp while also help raising his brother. It’s a beautiful and well told story. The most painful moments end with hope and it’s an engaging read!
When Stars are Scattered Review
– Story/ Plot of When Stars Are Scattered –
Although the overall story is very straight forward, it is also quite powerful. This plays nicely with the younger audience as well because it is easy to follow. When we are first introduced to Omar, he is trying to get accustomed to life as a refugee. The entire plot is Omar’s growth from an eight year old boy to a seventeen year old man. How he grows up, how he cares for his brother and tries to shield him from the pains of being a refugee. The overall story was very engaging and it flows beautifully. Based on the authors story, there are parts that are heartbreaking but he tells it in such an encouraging way. The illustrations are very well done and add a layer of empathy to the story that make it that much more powerful.
-Characters in When Stars Are Scattered-
Their are so many powerful characters in this story. Even though most of the plot revolves around Omar’s growth and journey, there are several other side characters with their own emotional journeys. Omar’s brother, Hassan, is young and neurodiverse. He can only say one word (Hooyo). Despite his inability to speak much, he is by far one of the most gentle and compassionate people in the story and often acts as the anchor for his older brother. Even though Omar tries to protect him.
Fatuma, the foster mom of Omar and Hassan, is the constant support for Omar throughout the story. Their bond is an important part of his life. Maryam and Nimo add a powerful example of what it’s like to be female experiencing life as a refugee. Despite being at the top of their class in school, they are often not given a chance to continue due to systemic issues. Lastly, Omar’s social worker, Susana Martinez, is credited by Omar for becoming the man he became. At some points in the book, she is the only source of hope and compassion for Omar.
Continue reading for our When Stars are Scattered Discussion questions
–Why Read When Stars Are Scattered-
When Stars are Scattered biggest win is that it manages to be very relatable. It’s a well written story that absolutely has the power to help you empathize with those who have experienced living in or fleeing from a war torn country. Omar and Hassan’s story is very painful in parts, surprising in others, and wonderful. It’s one that we hope will make an impact on those who read it like it did to us.
When Stars are Scattered Discussion Questions
- Have you ever read a story about a refugee before? What did you think? Did it change your thoughts about what it means to be a refugee?
- Which kid did you relate to the most and why?
- What was the saddest part of the story for you?
- What was the happiest part of the story for you?
- Did you know that this was based on Omar’s real life as you were reading it? How did this affect your reading?
- What do you want to be when you grow up? What makes you want to do that?
- Did reading When Star are Scattered change your perspective of school? How so?
- What was one lesson you learned while reading this book?
Thanks for checking out our When Stars Are Scattered discussion questions and review!
Before you go, take a second to share this and check out some other posts:
–New Kid: Middle school is hard, but it is particularly hard when you are the new kid at school.
–All’s Faire in Middle School: Written and illustrated by the illustrator of this book! From being homeschooled in a renaissance faire to public school, join Imogene as she navigates her new life.
–Diana, Princess of the Amazons: The origins story of little Diana as she learns that not all secrets are to be learned.
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