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Presented By: Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies

CMENAS 2024 Fall Colloquium Series & Author Talk. When Stars are Scattered

Omar Mohamed, Author

Image of author, Omar Mohamed holding his graphic novel Image of author, Omar Mohamed holding his graphic novel
Image of author, Omar Mohamed holding his graphic novel
CMENAS Fall Colloquium Series: 12-2 PM (555 Weiser Hall) - to attend, register at https://myumi.ch/kZ9Rk

Author Talk: 6:00-7:30 PM (4th Floor Meeting Room, Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104) - This talk is open to ALL AGES.
https://aadl.org/node/632940

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From a childhood spent in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya to becoming a published author and advocate, Omar Mohamed's journey is a testament to resilience and hope. His acclaimed graphic memoir, When Stars Are Scattered, co-authored with Victoria Jamieson, captures his experiences growing up in one of the world’s largest refugee camps with his younger brother, Hassan. The book provides a vivid, deeply personal account of life in Dadaab, portraying the day-to-day challenges of refugee life, including the pursuit of education, access to food, and navigating an uncertain future.

When Stars Are Scattered has resonated with readers of all ages, shedding light on the human side of the global refugee crisis. The book has been praised for its heart-wrenching portrayal of perseverance in the face of hardship. The graphic novel is not only a memoir but a call to empathy, inviting readers to understand the struggles and hopes of millions of displaced people worldwide. It was a National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature in 2020 and the winner of the Josette Frank Award in 2020. It also won the Walter Dean Myers Award for Young Readers in 2021. It received starred reviews from Booklist, The Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.

Beyond his writing, Mohamed is also the founder of Refugee Strong, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the education and well-being of refugee children living in camps. Refugee Strong provides school supplies, resources, and support to ensure that young refugees have the tools they need to succeed despite the challenges they face. Mohamed’s ongoing work with the Dadaab camp, where he returns regularly, is a vital part of his mission to give back to the community that shaped his early life. His advocacy continues to inspire, drawing attention to the global refugee crisis while offering a message of hope for the future.
Image of author, Omar Mohamed holding his graphic novel Image of author, Omar Mohamed holding his graphic novel
Image of author, Omar Mohamed holding his graphic novel

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