October 4, 2024 (Ann Arbor, MI) – The University of Michigan’s Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS) is honored to host Omar Mohamed, acclaimed author of the National Book Award finalist When Stars Are Scattered, for special events on October 21, 2024.
CMENAS Colloquium Series
Date: October 21, 2024
Time: 12:00-1:30 PM
Location: 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Register at https://myumi.ch/kZ9Rk
Author Talk
Date: October 21, 2024
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Ann Arbor District Library (4th Floor, Meeting Room), 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Omar Mohamed’s When Stars Are Scattered has captured readers’ hearts worldwide with its moving and deeply personal narrative. The book powerfully depicts the refugee experience and tells the story of Mohamed’s childhood in a refugee camp in Kenya, where he and his younger brother, Hassan, spent much of their early lives. The book was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2020, the winner of the Josette Frank Award in 2020, and the Walter Dean Myers Award for Young Readers in 2021. It has also received starred reviews from Booklist, The Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.
Mohamed will share insights into his journey from a refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya, to becoming a published author and advocate for refugees worldwide. Attendees will hear him discuss the inspiration behind his book, the challenges he faced, and the message of hope and resilience that lies at the heart of his story.
Both events are free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome.
Co-sponsored by the U-M African Studies Center and the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL), these events are part of ongoing efforts by AADL and CMENAS to bring diverse voices and stories to the Ann Arbor community and foster meaningful conversations.
For questions, please contact Warsan Salah at cmenas@umich.edu.
