A Bright Light in a Dark Sky: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed is a graphic novel that stands out for touching the heart and telling an important story. This heartfelt story takes readers on a journey through the eyes of Omar, a Somali refugee living in a Kenyan refugee camp, with his brother Hassan.
Synopsis: In this graphic novel, readers are introduced to the world of Omar and his younger brother Hassan, who live in a refugee camp in Kenya after fleeing Somalia. Through stunning illustrations and deeply emotive storytelling, Jamieson and Mohamed paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by refugees – food insecurity, the uncertainty, new customs and languages, the longing for home, and the constant search for belonging. One of the most remarkable aspects of When Stars Are Scattered is its ability to capture the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A particularly emotional moment was when Omar shared the story of his village being raided with the man working at the United Nations. Omar’s description of the gunfire, screaming and running was chilling. The implication that Omar’s mother did not survive this was heart wrenching. Hassan’s seizures and the guilt felt by Omar for not getting them to the United States in time for help was palpable. Despite the challenges they face, Omar and Hassan find moments of joy and connection amidst the chaos of their lives. Their bond as brothers serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family. The story ends on a happy note with the brothers being selected for resettlement in the United States.
My Takeaways: In conclusion, When Stars Are Scattered is a testament to the power of storytelling to shed light on the human experience. Through its compelling story and haunting artwork, it reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and hope. I really enjoyed the author’s notes that let us know the brothers eventually settled in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I was also pleased to know that in 2017, they did reunite with their mother in Kenya. To learn more about this book go to When Stars Are Scattered: Goodreads
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