When Stars Are Scattered

The text explores the hardships of those who experienced trauma as a result of the Somalian Civil War and the difficulties they continue to face in refugee camps. Trace the motif of hardship throughout the text. To what extent does hardship change the key figures in the memoir? Use these questions to help in formulating a response.

• What challenges do the refugees experience as they leave Somalia to go to the refugee camp in Dadaab?
• How do the people in the memoir continue to experience trouble while living in the refugee camp?
• What kind of problems arise throughout the resettlement process?
• In what way do these difficulties impact the interpersonal relationships of the characters in the memoir?
• How do these impacted relationships affect the characters as individuals?

Teaching Suggestion: It may be beneficial for students to analyze the memoir chronologically, taking notes on personal hardships and the impact of those hardships on relationships prior to responding. Students may wish to divide the novel into two parts using a T-chart to analyze personal struggles before reaching Dadaab and after reaching the camp.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who benefit from assistance with focus and organizing their thoughts for writing might limit their discussion to the personal struggles Omar experienced at the refugee camp.