When Stars Are Scattered

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Visual Details Collections”

Create collections of visual representations that convey Omar’s story based on details from the memoir.

The memoir is filled with memorable details from Omar’s story, such as his first days at school, his brother Hassan’s reactions, and his experience with the news correspondents reporting on the poor conditions of the camp without actually providing assistance. The images included help the author tell the story while giving the reader a deeper understanding of these experiences.

Create three visual collections of 5-6 images each to represent the following categories: Challenges, Helpfulness, and Goals. Choose images from throughout the story and compile them in a grouping or collage; you can choose to sketch by hand on art paper or create with art software.

• Represent scenes, events, and important moments throughout Omar’s story with your drawn objects.
• Describe the items with brief captions based on details from the graphic memoir.
• Consider what each collection conveys based on the way you choose to arrange the objects or symbols.
• Write 3 brief paragraphs to analyze how these visual details helped to create a strong narrative in When Stars Are Scattered.