When Stars Are Scattered

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Without his parents at Dadaab, Omar relies on Fatuma as a foster mother for basic needs and supervision.

• What other adult figures care for Omar’s well-being and future? (topic sentence)
• Describe the adult figures (other than Fatuma) who take care of Omar in his early life, then explain which of the adult figures you believe is the most influential and why.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why the adults in Omar’s life may have decided to support him despite their personal hardships.

2. Although Omar occasionally struggles with having empathy due to his bitterness, Hassan is the embodiment of empathy in the memoir.

• In what ways does Hassan exemplify empathy? (topic sentence)
• Provide three examples from the memoir in which Hassan demonstrates his capacity for empathy.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why Omar may have decided to describe Hassan in this way in his memoir.

3. Images and color help tell the story in When Stars Are Scattered.

• What are some of the specific ways the artwork or color helps to convey story elements? (topic sentence)
• Describe three scenes from the memoir and explain how the artwork and color from each of these scenes convey the author’s message.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why authors might find graphics and artwork useful in communicating with their audience.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by textual details, and a conclusion.

1. Omar, Jeri, Nimo, and Maryam describe their dreams and goals, each of which changes as the characters mature. Describe how the goals of the characters change throughout the story. How do the characters adapt their dreams based on their circumstances?

2. Historically, humanitarian aid efforts for Somalia were complex and ineffective. What are the most effective methods used in conveying the lack of support for refugees in the Dadaab camp? What challenges do the individuals in the camp experience according to When Stars Are Scattered? How do the individuals cope with the problem they experience?

3. Though the memoir focuses on Omar and Hassan, the camp held hundreds of thousands of other refugees. What techniques used by the writers and colorists are most effective in showing the reader how Omar’s story represents the story of many thousands of people? What is the impact of this technique on the reader? Why might Omar feel compelled to convey this message to his audience?