When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamison and Omar Mohamed
This graphic novel is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. The story of two brothers from Somalia who have spent the majority of their lives alone in a refugee camp in Kenya. One brother is nonverbal and has several other health problems. This is the story of how they survive life in a refugee camp and how they find hope. I loved how accessible this book was. It was a quick, easy read appropriate for those around 8 years old and up. It did discuss hard truths such as days without food, but Omar always manages to come back to hope. I appreciated the focus on the importance of education and the difficulties of obtaining it. This book is a great book to help even young children gain perspective about how difficult life can be for a refugee. The one aspect I wish was different, was that the book ended as soon as Omar and Hassan are resettled. It gives the impression that once a refugee is resettled, their problems are over, which is not usually the case. I wish it had continued to tell the story of resettlement. This is definitely a book you will want to pick up.
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.