When Stars are Scattered is a graphic novel based on co-author Omar Mohamed’s life growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya called Dadaab. Here are some resources to gain a deeper understanding of the book, as well as life in Dadaab refugee camp.
Book Trailer
Author Conversation
Educator Guide
This guide is aligned to Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and History and Social Studies for 6th - 8th grades. Use this six to eight week guide as a comprehensive unite plan or a supplement to an already existing language curriculum. The guide offers a pre-reading activity, differentiated reading guide, reflections for Part 1,2, and 3, and a sample performance task. Click here to download.
Refugee Strong
Refugee Strong is Omar Mohamed’s non-profit organization which delivers school supplies and other resources to kids living and attending school in Dadaab.
Additional Videos
Dreams From Dadaab A clip from the Dadaab Animation project. A short film featuring young students from Dadaab and their animation work. (3 1/2 minutes)
Educational Challenges A glimpse into a primary school in Dadaab, and the challenges facing young people who want an education. (2 minutes)
Dagahaley Tour A tour through some of the streets, homes, and markets in Dadaab. (3 1/2 minutes)
Ifo Market A tour through the market in Ifo camp (where the story takes place) (3 minutes)
Audio
Muzamil's Day In this special audio episode for kids, FRONTLINE follows a day in the life of Muzamil, a 12-year-old Somali boy growing up in Kenya’s Dadaab Refugee Camp. Producer Bianca Giaever and Reporter Roopa Gogineni bring him questions from American kids about what it’s like growing up in a refugee camp. Are there dentists? A fire department? What is your dreamland? Muzamil takes us through his daily life, answering questions from American kids along the way. (22 minutes)
Selected Awards
National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist
Schneider Family Book Award Honor
Booklist Editors' Choice: Youth Audio Selection
Charlotte Huck Award Honor
Goodreads Choice Award for Graphic Novels & Comics Nominee
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist
ALSC Notable Children's Books for Middle Readers Selection
ALSC Notable Children's Recordings Selection
Children's Africana Book Award for Older Readers Honor
Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens Nominee
Heavy Medal Award Finalist
ILA Notable Books for a Global Society Selection
Josette Frank Award Winner
Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor
Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production Honor
Walter Dean Myers Award for Younger Readers Winner
YALSA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Top 10
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee
YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Selection
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Selection