Interested in a Short Graphic Novel as a Full Cast Audiobook? Read When Stars Are Scattered

I don’t  typically read graphic novels. The first and last one I read was about the late Congressman John Lewis. Although I enjoyed learning about this Georgia politician and civil rights leader, I struggled with the audio format. It was hard to stay focused and there was confusion between the reading of the book and the description of the graphics. So, I decided to pass on future graphic novels.

But I found an exception in  “When Stars Are Scattered” by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. It’s one of the best audio book experiences I’ve ever had, in fact! It’s an immersive dive into Omar’s true story of being a Somali refugee that will pull at your heart strings. The book is also short, a little under 4 hours of audio. And  makes a perfect option for Read a Book Day.

Book Summary

Here’s a brief summary of this  overwhelming  yet intriguing audiobook. Omar  and his brother Hassan are two young children fleeing civil war in Somalia. These two parentless refugees are trying to live and survive. They grow up to be young men n Dadaab, one of the world’s largest refugee camps in Kenya. Omar struggles to get an education while also caring for  Hassan  who has a developmental disability. This enriching graphic memoir  addresses hard issues like war, poverty, drug abuse and death. It takes these difficult issues and makes them easily digestible. This book is recommended for ages 8-12, however, I suggest all ages.

   The story of Omar and his brother was deeply moving. I saw the pain and struggle. I saw numerous setbacks. I saw the perseverance. Then I saw the hope and dream for a better future. Their story opened my eyes and educated me on the realities of living as a refugee in a resettlement camp.

Loved Full Cast Audio

But the full cast audio  enriched my over all experience. This was a different kind of audiobook  than I would normally check out from the National Library Service for  the Blind and Print Disabled. There were a variety of voice actors . There were special sound effects and music. All of these features enhanced  my experience. It was like watching a live performance on stage at a theatre but in audio. It was entertaining  and awesome!