When Stars Are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered

by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Dial, 2020. 264 pages. Graphic Novel

Omar and his little brother, Hassan, arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, seven years ago. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbors who were fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after his brother, who has an intellectual disability. When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university--and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day?

This is an important story to read, especially for young readers. Many in the Western world (myself included) don't truly understand what refugees experience. This story, told in a graphic novel format, is at times hopeful, frustrating, depressing, and moving. Mohamed's experiences are portrayed in a realistic and relatable way, with bits of humor here and there and with candor throughout. This work and stories like it can help readers achieve a level of deeper understanding of lives dissimilar to their own, which in turn can help the rising generation live lives filled with empathy while inspiring them to achieve their highest potential.

Flamer

Flamer

by Mike Curato
Henry Holt and Co., 2020. 368 pages. Graphic Novel

It's the summer between middle school and high school, and Aiden Navarro is away at camp. Everyone's going through changes, but for Aiden, the stakes feel higher. As he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can't stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

As a queer reader, it was a unique experience reading this poignant, emotional graphic novel; I rarely read works to which I can relate so fully. There were parts that were uncomfortable and almost painful to read because of how personal and powerful the narrative is. I can easily see how this work lives up to the claim on its cover that "this book will save lives." 

Content warning: this work addresses difficult topics such as suicidal ideation, homophobia (including use of the f-slur), racism, fat-shaming, and teen sexuality.

Bloom

Bloom
by Kevin Panetta, ill. by Savanna Ganucheau
First Second, 2019. 368 pages. Graphic Novel

Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his band — if he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom... that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.

This heartwarming queer love story between two teenage boys is paired with a satisfying monochromatic color palette and a gorgeous art style. Both of the main characters (and several of the side characters) are very well developed. Bonus points for authentic looks at multiple cultures, including Ari's Greek family and Hector's Samoan heritage. That said, the plot is nothing extraordinary: slow-burn small-town summer romance, sprinkled with family drama throughout. Still a delightful, light-hearted read.