Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Omar Mohamed wanted to write a book about his personal experiences in a refugee camp with Victoria Jamieson. The final result is the graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered.

What did you think of it?

I gave When Stars are Scattered five stars. It left quite the impression on me concerning our neighbors in other parts of the world.

I listened to the audiobook to make sure it was Newbery worthy without being influenced by the art. It was wonderful. The sound effects are graphic (gunfire) but the story was so compelling! The theme of loyalty and how a sibling with different abilities impacts their family was very relatable and moving. I can envision a meaningful discussion about empathy around that piece. The persistence and tenacity of the narrator are inspiring. Loved it.

http://richiespicks.pbworks.com/WHEN-...

I also listened to this book and this book was great! I could imagine the refuge camp with the descriptions and the characters were well developed. After I finished I a copy of the book came in and I went through the graphics and it was also wonderful. I actually think this is a much better book then New Kid.

I listened to the audiobook too--so good!

Just finished reading the book - very enlightening and gave it a 5 star rating! Awesome!

Gripping story about life in a Kenyan refugee camp for an orphan boy and his disabled brother. The story reminds me very much of "A Long Walk To Water", but in the graphic novel format I think it will be much more accessible to young readers. Most American children will have absolutely no conception of what millions of people endure as refugees, and this book could help open their hearts and minds to the needs of so many. My sole complaint is the length of the book - at 250+ dense & serious pages, I fear that many readers will give up on the story before it's gratifying conclusion. Don't forget to read the Afterward and Author's Notes!

WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed is an autobiographical graphic novel that puts a very personal face on the refugee crises we are facing in many locations across the world.
I am not clear who would be the recipient if it were to win the Newbery. Was the text completely written by Omar Mohamed or did Victoria Jamieson contribute to the text in addition to providing the illustrations? Would they then share the award? If the illustrations are considered in the evaluation (still an unanswered question for graphic novels), would the colorist Iman Geddy also share in the award?

I gave the book 5 stars. This book entails a topic a lot of kiddos would have a hard time relating to—being a refugee. I think that children would be more inclined to read something with this topic with it being a graphic novel as oppose to it written in prose or poetry. Like Josephine wrote, the story does make a strong impression on the reader.

Omar and his disabled brother go to a refugee camp in Kenya to escape the violence in their Somalian village. This graphic novel does an incredible job of presenting life in a refugee camp. I learned more about refugee camps from this book than from adult nonfiction books that I've read. My Mock Newbery book club nominated it as a contender. I wonder how many children will have the stamina to stay with this book.

Wow! Just wow. When Stars Are Scattered is an amazing read. This book by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed just shot up to the top of my list of 2020 reads.

It was so eye opening and impactful. I was not expecting to like it as much as I did. Hopefully, readers will not be intimidated by its size (250+ pages). Since it is in graphic novel format, it reads a lot faster than readers might first assume.

I would totally recommend this. 100%.

I found "When Stars Are Scattered" to be an intense, graphic novel that powerfully and authentically depicts the tragedy, boredom and hope of refugee camp life. Unlike other refugee stories that I've read, this one focuses on life in the camp. I think it's a strong, distinguished Newbery contender.

"When Stars are Scattered" made such a powerful impression on me. Thinking about refugees' living situation is not a topic often discussed in school. Omar and his brother come to life through Victoria Jamieson's expressive illustrations, and Omar Mohamed's soulful true story. The pacing works well, and although the story is sad, there's a lot of hope shared though the kindness of the refugee community and outside help. This award winning book will make the subject of refugee survival important to kids. It is certainly Newbery worthy, however since a graphic novel won the Newbery last year, it is unlikely, perhaps a Newbery honor.

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. Such a compelling story that is well told and the art while not earth shattering supports the story effectively. Many kids at this age read more graphic stories that word-only, so it's thrilling to see such an important story in a format that will reach many kids that are not big "readers".

My new favorite is The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane.

I just finished it- great book. I liked it better than Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise.

Five stars for me but I may be a bit biased. I have met Omar and heard his story. Makes your own problems seem trivial after reading this book.

Josephine wrote: "My new favorite is The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane."
I loved this story! The audio is amazing.

Absolutely loved When Stars are Scattered, my favorite for 2020 with Echo Mountain.

This is a fantastic book. It hits all the Newbery checkpoints. It's also a graphic novel (I happen to love graphic novels but they are very big right now and ALA is pushing them a bit hard in my opinion). Plus the artwork was done by Victoria Jamieson who's previous book Roller Girl was nominated for the Newbery award in

Rachel wrote: "This is a fantastic book. It hits all the Newbery checkpoints. It's also a graphic novel (I happen to love graphic novels but they are very big right now and ALA is pushing them a bit hard in my op..."

I agree. I would love it if there were a separate award given to graphic novels.

It is nominated for the Cybils award.

Like a couple of others, I listened to this amazing audiobook. Loved it and am looking forward to seeing the art in the print book when I can get my hands on it. It's one of those books that when it ended I felt like I was missing a good friend. It really is a book of hope, brotherhood, and about the power of education. Deserving of all the awards and recognition it's getting!