The Stars Are Scattered

by

Ginaya Donnette

When Stars Are Scattered is a gripping true story graphic novel about two brothers orphaned during a Somalian War living in a refugee camp in Kenya.  Author Omar Mohamed tells the account of his time as a child forever waiting for resources and a chance.   Then finally being gifted a place in school.  There are many blocks that prevent students in the refugee camp from finishing school. These include hunger, family responsibilities, lack of menstruation hygiene products, extreme heat, and even having to study in the dark without a lantern.  Not to mention that in Kenya students don't continue on to middle school unless they have high grades and pass a rigorous test.  Usually not very many students pass on to a higher level past primary school.  However, with the support of his community Omar not only passed to middle school but continued to excel to university. 

​Publishing this story as a graphic novel enables the reader to see the characters emotions in a way that makes you feel like you were there.  The houses and community, even the feeling of waiting and hopelessness all translate in the book so that anyone who may never know what it is really like to be in a refugee camp can see parts of it that may not be easy to understand in written words alone.  You watch Omar struggle with the question of how can he work so hard to improve himself and still take care of his younger brother who is disabled and needs him?  When so many don’t have to enhance to follow their dreams and be educated Omar wonders is it selfish to go to school or is it selfish to not? Omar’s life is filled with disappointment and grief but also hope and love.  He lives a one in a million dream but in the end he uses his blessing to be a blessing to others. Now Omar continues to give through his nonprofit refugeestrong.org helping other refugee students get the support and push they need to be successful.