The Youth Libraries Group are pleased to welcome Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed to the blog to talk about their graphic novel When Stars are Scattered.

The United Nations estimated there were 71 million people across the globe who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.  How important does it feel to have their stories told and to make sure their voices are heard?

OMAR: I wanted to tell my story because I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless. My story is like any other refugee’s story.  No one chooses to be a refugee, to leave their home, country, and family. The last thing I wanted in this world was to be a refugee. I hope readers gain an understanding of how no one would ever want to leave their country unless circumstances force them to leave.

VICTORIA: I am honored that Omar entrusted me with this story. It was a privilege to get to know Omar and his family through listening to his story and bringing it to a graphic novel format. I learned so much about the daily life and the struggles of living in a refugee camp. Since there are so many people displaced from their homes, it's important to listen to these stories.

Omar, You were already drafting your story when you met Victoria Jamieson, can you tell us anything about that early draft and did you have in mind at this stage a book for young people?

OMAR: I have always wanted to write a book to educate others about my experiences as a refugee. I had already started drafting my story when I met Victoria. I had envisioned the book as one for adults. I didn't have much experience with children's books or graphic novels at the time. I may continue with a book for adults at a later date.

How did the pair of you meet and how did the idea for the book come about?

OMAR: We met when Victoria visited Church World Service, the organization I work for that is dedicated to showing welcome to refugees, immigrants, asylum-seekers and other uprooted people within the United States, who are seeking safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. I was introduced to her by my coworker who was showing her around the office. After the introduction, my coworker told Victoria how I always wanted to write a book. 

VICTORIA: I had been volunteering with my local resettlement agency, and through that experience I met lots of people and heard harrowing and heartbreaking stories of their journey to the U.S. I had already been thinking about the possibility of a graphic novel based on some of the stories I'd heard, but I didn't know where to start. When I met Omar and we decided to collaborate, neither of us had any idea what the end result would look like.

Can you tell us a little about how the collaboration worked?

OMAR: We met in person and used other means of communications, including phone calls and text. I have a busy daily life, so we would meet during my lunch breaks or during the evenings or weekends.

VICTORIA: When it came to creating the art, that was something I did at home in my studio. We didn't meet in person as much during this time, but I was in constant contact with Omar throughout the day. I would send him screenshots of the pages I was currently working on to make sure the details were correct. I mainly looked at internet pictures of Dadaab to create the art, and it was important to me that scenes in schools, market, or homes were as Omar remembered them. We also worked with our amazing colorist, Iman Geddy, based in Atlanta, Georgia. She would send digital files after adding color, so Omar and I evaluated the art at every stage, from early sketches to final files.

Were there challenges in revisiting the past to tell such an intimate and personal story?

OMAR: In my current role with Church World Service, I work with refugees arriving to the U.S., but I also share my story frequently with local organizations and outreach programs. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to always persevere.

A lot of the story is deeply affecting, what considerations were there in making this a story for young people? Did this affect any of the content or shaping of the story and if so how?

OMAR: We did leave out some details; these may be included in a future book for adults!

VICTORIA: Omar and I had lots of discussions with our editor, Kate Harrison, on how to depict the more graphic parts of the story. When we had flashbacks to Omar's early childhood and the events that led him to flee Somalia, we depicted the violent acts off-panel. Similarly, we hinted at the violence that women and girls face during times of crisis. Older readers and adults may pick up on the subtleties, but we were careful to keep our audience in mind. We wanted the story to be honest, but not overwhelming for young readers.

Graphic novels have been used to convey often very complex and sophisticated stories - Spiegelman's Maus, Stassen's Deogratias, Joe Sacco's work. What qualities make the graphic novel form so well suited for this?

VICTORIA: Graphic novels, to me, are a very intimate reading experience. When I read a graphic novel, I feel like I'm invited into a character's world. As an American, I didn't know what schools in a refugee camp looked like, or markets, or bathrooms. A graphic novel seemed like a good introduction to what is likely a new way of life to readers living in the US or the UK.

How can readers who have been moved by When Stars are Scattered make a difference?

VICTORIA: I always thought the refugee crisis was happening far away from me, and there was nothing I could do to help. I was wrong! I learned there was plenty I could do to work with recent immigrants and refugees, right in my own community. Readers can search for local refugee resettlement agencies; they will offer many opportunities to volunteer. I also hope readers will check out www.RefugeeStrong.org. This is Omar's non-profit organization that continues to empower students living in Dadaab.

OMAR: Empowering and supporting refugees is key to helping them succeed not only in the camps but also in their new communities. I hope readers will get to know their neighbors, even if they have different clothing than you or speak with a different accent than you. One kind action can have a huge influence in another’s life.

Thank you to Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed for such an inspiring interview.