Review of When Stars Are Scattered (and How to Use It in Your Homeschool Curriculum)

One of the absolute treasures we received in our Timberdoodle Kit this year was When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed. I had heard whispers about this book before it arrived, but nothing prepared me for how moving and powerful it would be—not just for me, but for my kids, too.

At first glance, it looks like a typical graphic novel, the kind of book my kids would eagerly grab off the shelf just because the pictures pull them in. But after diving in, it quickly became clear that this book is so much more than illustrations and dialogue bubbles.

It’s a real-life story about survival, family, and hope in the most difficult circumstances—and it leaves a lasting imprint on anyone who reads it.

As a homeschooling mom, I immediately saw the potential to fold this book into multiple subjects throughout our school year. From history and geography to writing, character studies, and empathy-building activities, When Stars Are Scattered has the ability to touch your students’ hearts and minds all at once.

Today, I want to share not only my review of the book but also some practical, step-by-step ways you can make it part of your yearly homeschool curriculum.

This book is part of 7th grade homeschool kit from Timberdoodle, which you can see the full review here.

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What When Stars Are Scattered Is About

The story is told through the eyes of Omar Mohamed, who, along with his younger brother Hassan, grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya after fleeing war in Somalia.

Hassan is nonverbal and depends heavily on Omar, who shoulders responsibilities far beyond his years. The brothers are raised in the camp by foster care figures while they wait for news about their mother, whom they were separated from during their escape.

Life in the camp is hard. Food is scarce, opportunities are limited, and daily survival takes center stage. Yet, amid these struggles, Omar dares to dream of education and a brighter future.

He wrestles with guilt (for leaving Hassan in the care of others so he can attend school) and the constant question of whether his dreams are even realistic in such harsh conditions.

The book is based on Omar’s real life, and Victoria Jamieson’s illustrations make the story approachable for kids without diminishing the depth or seriousness of the subject matter. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s profoundly moving.

Why This Book Belongs in Your Homeschool

As moms, we’re always on the lookout for books that not only meet academic standards but also shape character. When Stars Are Scattered does both seamlessly.

• Accessible for Reluctant Readers: Because it’s a graphic novel, even kids who shy away from long chapter books can engage with the story.
• Encourages Empathy: Kids get a window into a world that’s very different from their own. It prompts thoughtful conversations about compassion, privilege, and perseverance.
• Cross-Curricular Value: You can tie it into literature, geography, history, and social studies, or use it as a springboard for writing and art projects.
• Engages Middle-Grade Students: This book is especially well-suited for upper elementary and middle school students (ages 10–14), but older kids and even adults will connect with it, too.

How to Incorporate It Into Your Curriculum

Here are some subject-by-subject ways you can make this book an anchor point in your school year:

1. Literature & Reading Comprehension

• Study how graphic novels use both words and illustrations to convey emotion.
• Assign reading journals where kids reflect on Omar’s decisions and what they would do in his place.
• Have them summarize chapters in their own words or create short written responses.

2. History & Geography

• Locate Somalia and Kenya on a world map.
• Study the Somali civil war briefly to understand the background.
• Research the concept of refugee camps—what they are, why they exist, and what life is like inside.

3. Writing & Creative Expression

• Encourage students to write their own short graphic novel page, inspired by a personal challenge or moment of perseverance.
• Assign reflective essays on themes like hope, sacrifice, or education.
• Practice empathy-based writing: “Imagine you are Omar at the refugee camp—write a diary entry about your day.”

4. Character & Life Lessons

• Use the book to talk about resilience, kindness, and what it means to carry responsibility.
• Open discussions about family roles, sacrifice, and supporting each other in difficult times.
• Talk about how education is valued differently in different parts of the world.

5. Current Events & Social Awareness

• Connect the story to current refugee situations around the world.
• Research local or international organizations that support displaced families.
• Encourage your kids to brainstorm small ways to help (writing letters, raising awareness, donating gently used items).

Sample Weekly Lesson Plan for When Stars Are Scattered

Here’s a 3-week sample lesson plan you can easily adapt into your homeschool.

Week 1: Introduction & Setting the Stage

Day 1:

• Introduce the book with a world map. Locate Somalia and Kenya.
• Discuss: “What do you know about refugees?” (Write thoughts down to revisit later.)

Day 2:

• Read Chapters 1–4 together.
• Comprehension questions: What do we learn about Omar and Hassan? What challenges do they face right away?
• Journal prompt: “What would it feel like to live without knowing where your parents are?”

Day 3:

• Research Somalia’s civil war (keep it age-appropriate).
• Activity: Create a simple timeline of Omar’s life events so far.

Day 4:

• Read Chapters 5–7.
• Discussion: Why is education so important to Omar? Why does he feel torn about leaving Hassan?

Day 5:

• Creative writing: Imagine you are Omar on his first day of school. Write a diary entry.

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Week 2: Deepening Understanding

Day 1:

• Read Chapters 8–10.
• Activity: Compare Omar’s daily life in the camp to your student’s daily life. Create a Venn diagram.

Day 2:

• Discuss the role of friendships in the story. Who supports Omar?
• Journal prompt: “What makes a good friend in difficult times?”

Day 3:

• Research: What is life like in a real refugee camp today? (UNHCR has great kid-friendly resources.)
• Activity: Write a short report or create a mini-poster.

Day 4:

• Read Chapters 11–13.
• Discussion: How does Omar show perseverance? What sacrifices does he make?

Day 5:

• Art project: Create your own graphic novel page showing a time you had to persevere.

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Week 3: Reflection & Connection

Day 1:

• Read Chapters 14–17 (toward the conclusion).
• Discussion: What dreams does Omar have? How does he pursue them despite challenges?

Day 2:

• Journal prompt: “Why is it important to never give up on your dreams?”
• Connect to your student’s own goals—create a goal-setting page.

Day 3:

• Research activity: Learn about organizations that help refugees (World Relief, UNICEF, etc.).
• Activity: Brainstorm one way your family could help or raise awareness.

Day 4:

• Finish reading the book.
• Family discussion: What was the most impactful part of Omar’s story?

Day 5:

• Final project: Write a reflection paper, create a presentation, or design a mini-poster about what you learned.
• Bonus: Encourage your child to write a letter to Omar Mohamed (he is active in refugee advocacy today).

Final Thoughts as a Mom

Reading When Stars Are Scattered with my kids was humbling and beautiful. It reminded me of how much we take for granted—the security of food, school, and family—and how important it is to raise compassionate, globally aware children.

This is one of those books that goes beyond checking a “literature box” in your homeschool plan. It’s an experience. It’s an opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes, even for just a few hours, and to let those lessons shape who we become.

If you’re building your curriculum for the year, I highly recommend adding this book into your middle grade reading list. With the lesson plan above, you’ll have plenty of structure to make it meaningful, while still leaving space for those heart-to-heart conversations that matter most.

Your kids won’t just finish the book. They’ll carry its lessons with them. And as a mom and teacher—that’s the best kind of education we can give.