Graphic Novels

When Stars are Scattered

Authors: Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Color By: Iman Geddy

Publisher Info: Dial Books for Young Readers, an Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC , New York in 2020

Description: This is a story that follows two brothers in a refugee camp in Kenya. The boys experience many obstacles and a tough life in the camps, but everything is just a tiny bit more challenging because of Omar's brother, Hassan, who is nonverbal and has seizures. Several people looked out for the brothers along the way to ensure that they were safe and learned necessary life skills. Omar was really great in school and worked really hard to learn English and attend high school. The brothers are given an exciting and life changing opportunity in the end!

Evaluation: This graphic novel does a great job portraying the life of a refugee in a refugee camp. The story is easy to follow and the flashbacks that are included in the story make sense to the sequence of the novel. The author did an excellent job capturing Omar and Hassan's true story and experiences and sheds light on life with a nonverbal sibling.

Usage: I would recommend this book for grades 3-8. This book pairs really well with the book, "A Long Walk to Water" and its  picture book companion, "Nya's Long Walk", by Linda Sue Park. These books are in many elementary/middle school curriculums. 

Swim Team

Author: Johnnie Christmas

Publisher Info: HarperCollins Publishers 2022

Description: Bree, a middle school girl who moves to Florida and is accidentally placed in a swim class despite not knowing how to swim. With help from a neighbor and her teammates, she learns to swim, competes on the team, and overcomes personal and historical challenges. The story explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and the history of racial exclusion in swimming.

Evaluation: This graphic novel is both inspiring and educational. The artwork is expressive and easy to follow, while the story addresses important social issues in an age-appropriate way. Bree is a relatable character, and readers will root for her as she faces her fears in real world situations that children her age can relate to. The book effectively blends personal growth with historical context, making it both meaningful and memorable.

Usage: This would be great for classroom discussions about overcoming fear, equity in sports, and the power of community. It’s also an excellent example of how graphic novels can tell rich, emotional stories. Recommended for middle-grade readers (grades 4-6) and useful for units on identity, resilience, perseverance, and social justice.