When Stars Are Scattered, written by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed. Color by Iman Geddy. Dial Books, Penguin Random House. 2020. $27.99 ages 10 and up

"I heard you're quitting school. 

Yeah. I have to take care of
Hassan. You of all people must
understand.

No, I don't understand. I don't 
understand how anyone would 
turn down the chance to go to
school. 

Do you think if I were a boy I'd ... "

Omar and Hassan are brothers forced to flee Somalia when their father is killed during the civil war. As they fled on foot, they became separated from their mother and eventually made it to Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya. The two are fostered to one of the camp's citizens, Fatuma. She treats the boys as her own, helping Omar with Hassan who has a seizure disorder and cannot communicate clearly. Always at the back of Omar's mind is that they will one day find their mother and return to their homeland.

The boys are at Dadaab for seventeen years. Omar is lucky to be going to school, and having good friends. He studies hard, helps Fatuma, spends time wtih those friends, and harbors wishes to be resettled through the United Nations to a Western country, at some point. Food is scarce, there are few resources, and there is little to no medical care for Hassan. This is Omar's mostly personal story, impressively told in a graphic novel by the talented Victoria Jamieson. It flows perfectly from the first page to last.

This novel gives readers a very personal view of life in a refugee camp settimg that is a reality for many people around the world. Displaced by circumstances beyond their control, the boys get emotional and physical support to help them deal with their new normal. In the end, when they set to go, they must leave the family they have always known. This story needs to be told, and should ensure empathy for their plight. Readers will not forget these boys, their friends, neighbors and supporters.

Back matter includes photos of the brothers before and after leaving Dadaab, an afterword that continues their story, and separate author notes from both Omar and Victoria. It is an amazing tale, both heartbreaking and heartwarming. You will not be sorry to spend time with these quite remarkable characters. It is stark account of life as a refugee, and an eye opener. Fitting for our times and a needed resource.