When Stars are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered is a moving graphic novel based on the true story of Omar and his brother Hassan, who has developmental disabilities. Set in a refugee camp in Kenya, their journey is one of heartbreak, resilience, hope, and deep brotherly love. The story gently invites readers into the often-unseen world of refugees—offering a child’s-eye view of life with uncertainty, poverty, and the longing for education and stability.

Told with expressive illustrations and relatable narration, this book is an ideal window into a real-world experience that will stretch your student’s empathy, global awareness, and appreciation for the power of family. It’s especially compelling for preteens and is a wonderful fit for both avid readers and those still warming up to books.

As your child walks beside Omar—navigating loss, faith, responsibility, and dreams—he’ll also be prompted to consider big questions: What does it mean to wait for something you might never get? How does family carry us through the hardest parts of life?

Parents should know: while the book is age-appropriate, it doesn’t shy away from tough topics. Parental separation, forced marriage, and suicide are touched on, along with honest reflections on Islamic practices, and cultural misunderstandings about life in America. But don’t let that scare you off—these elements open the door for meaningful, even life-shaping conversations at home.

When Stars Are Scattered is more than a graphic novel—it’s a conversation starter, a perspective shifter, and a gentle way to cultivate compassion in your student’s heart.