Faber acquires 'heart-wrenching' graphic novel about refugee camp

Faber has acquired When Stars are Scattered, a "heart-wrenching" graphic novel set in a refugee camp, based on the true story of Omar Mohamed.

Co-written by Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson, who illustrates the story, it tells of Omar and his brother Hasaan's experiences in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, after they become separated from their mother.

Alice Swan, Faber editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Kim Ryan at Penguin Young Readers US. 

Mohamed, who now lives in the US and founded the non-profit organisation Refugee Strong, said: "Through reading my story, I hope readers gain an understanding of why no one would ever want to leave their country unless circumstances forced them to leave. I also hope When Stars Are Scattered shows how one kind action can have such a huge influence in another's life."

Swan said: "The reader response to this has been extraordinary. The recipient of numerous starred reviews in the US, this incredible true story of two boys and their time in a Kenyan refugee camp will engage young readers with its everyday stories of friendship, school, football games and meal times, whilst encouraging them to imagine these things in the extreme camp setting. A beautiful, deeply moving and personal graphic novel that will inspire empathy and compassion. Unmissable."

The title will be published on 2nd July 2020.