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Module 6 Fiction, Fantasy, YA: When Stars are Scattered - Written by Victoria Jamieson

 

Module 6 – Book Review 3 

Review of Victoria Jamieson’s When Stars are Scattered 

*This review was written for a course through Sam Houston State University. 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Jamieson, Victoria (2020). WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED. Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-1-72548-313-2 

2. PLOT SUMMARY 

Victoria Jamieson's graphic novel "When Stars Are Scattered" is a story about two brothers named Omar and Hassan. The brothers live in a refugee camp in Kenya they moved to after fleeing their home in war-torn Somalia. Jamieson writes about their struggles as refugees and how they dream of a better life while living in the camp. They face constant uncertainty and focus on their desire for education. As the older brother, Omar takes on caring for his younger brother and must face the circumstances of survival and the hope of a better future for both. Jamieson manages to use her storytelling along with illustrations in the graphic novel to highlight the resilience of children in impossible situations, as well as themes of family and the importance of community. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS  

Jamieson's graphic novel "When Stars Are Scattered" opens with relatable characters that beg a sense of empathy from the audience for two brothers, Omar and his younger brother, Hassan. The plot details the experiences that the brothers share as refugees from their country to help readers see their struggles and dreams along with their resilience in their sad and heartbreaking situation. Omar feels he must protect and take care of his younger brother in the harsh life they find themselves in being ripped away from their home country.   

The setting of the camp is an important part of telling the brothers' story and helping the audience see the brothers' situation. The detailed illustrations allow the reader to visually take in their environment and see the contrast between the boys' hope and despair as the story is told. Jamieson focuses on themes of family, perseverance, and fighting for a better future. This falls into the classic category of overcoming adversity and the strength of the human spirit.   

The writing style maintains a point of view that truly conveys how the brothers feel about their situation and the gravity of what they have been through and what they face in their future. The voice telling the story shows compassion, which brings authenticity and gives it realism but still the warmth needed to connect to the brothers' characters. The story is powerful and focuses on the brothers' search for belonging in such an uncertain place as refugees. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) 

Booklist starred (March 15, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 14))  

Omar Mohamed was a child when soldiers attacked his village in Somalia. Separated from his parents, he and his younger brother, Hassan, eventually made their way to Dadaab, a crowded refugee camp in Kenya where he now spends his days scrambling for food and taking care of Hassan, who is nonverbal and suffers from debilitating seizures. Wonderfully expressive figures convey complex and conflicted emotions, and the rich colors imbue the story with life. Mohamed’s experience is unfortunately not unique, but it is told with grace, humility, and forgiveness. 

Kirkus Reviews starred (February 15, 2020)  

A Somali boy living in a refugee camp in Kenya tries to make a future for himself and his brother in this near memoir interpreted as a graphic novel by collaborator Jamieson. Through Omar’s journey, and those of his friends and family members, readers get a close, powerful view of the trauma and uncertainty that attend life as a refugee as well as the faith, love, and support from unexpected quarters that get people through it. 

Publishers Weekly (March 2, 2020)  

Though loving foster mother Fatuma cares for the boys, Mohamed watches out for his largely nonverbal younger brother, Hassan, who experiences occasional seizures, and is fearful of leaving him even to attend school. Jamieson and Mohamed together craft a cohesive, winding story that balances daily life and boredom, past traumas, and unforeseen outcomes alongside camp denizens’ ingenuity and community. The result of this team effort is a personal and poignant entry point for young readers trying to understand an unfair world. 

School Library Journal (February 1, 2020)  

Perennial comic book favorite Jamieson teams up with Mohamed, a Somalian refugee, to tell a heartbreaking story inspired by Mohamed's life. Heavier on text compared with Jamieson's usual fare, this title still features the expressive, gentle style of Roller Girl or All's Faire in Middle School-the language of cartoons makes the subject matter accessible to a middle grade audience. Indeed, the authors highlight moments of levity and sweetness as the children and their families do their best to carve out meaningful lives in the bleakest of circumstances. 

5. CONNECTIONS  

  • Related Books - Other books about the themes of refugees, resilience, and family 

  • Williams, Mary. BROTHERS IN HOPE: THE STORY OF THE LOST BOYS OF THE SUDAN. ISBN 978-1584302322 

  • Lewis, John and Andrew Aydin. MARCH. ISBN 978-1603093958 

  • Enrichment Activities -     

  • Research Projects about Refugee Life – Have students research real refugee camps or the refugee experience. 

  • What Would You Pack? Project – Have students answer what they would pack if they had to leave home quickly and why. Also, ask students to create lists or even draw their emergency bags with explanations.

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