This is week two of my new “middle grade book of the week” feature. As I mentioned last week, I created this feature to motivate myself to reach my goal of reading more middle grade books. I am so glad I did. This was another excellent book.

Summary

When Stars are Scattered is a graphic novel based on the life of a Somalian refugee, Omar Mohamed. Omar and his brother, Hassan are separated from their parents during the Somalian civil war and end up in a Kenyan refugee camp. The majority of the story takes place after they have been in the camp for several years and Omar has the opportunity to go to school. Previously, he didn’t go because he was caring for Hassan, who is nonverbal and suffers from a seizure disorder. Life is difficult in the camp and struggles with maintaining hope. But he works hard to do well in school, and dreams of becoming a UN social worker one day. Eventually, Omar and Hassan are resettled in America where Omar has gone on to help many refugees.

My Thoughts

I don’t read a lot of graphic novels. I keep them in my classroom because I know students like them, but I’m not drawn to them myself. However, I wanted to read this one because it would be a grade companion read for A Long Walk to Water, which sixth graders read at my school. It’s made me rethink my feelings about graphic novels. The format made it an engaging and quick read, without taking away from the depth of the story. I was so impressed with the way Jamieson was able to achieve so much characterization and evoke emotions with so few words. It’s a great inspirational read, that is not intimidating for reluctant readers.