When Stars Are Scattered: Parts 2–3

by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
In this memoir, told in graphic form, Omar Mohamed recounts his life as a Somalian refugee in Kenya.

Here are links to our lists for the memoir: Part 1, Parts 2–3
24 words 605 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. swanky
    impressively fashionable and elegant
    You may have noticed my swanky new outfit.
  2. graze
    feed as in a meadow or pasture
    He gives her fresh water every morning, and then he and Fatuma take her on long walks to let her graze.
  3. photosynthesis
    formation of compounds in plants aided by radiant energy
    Don't forget to ask your teacher that question I had about photosynthesis, ok?
  4. compound
    an enclosure of residences and other buildings
    They help nobody but themselves, with their fancy cars and their big compounds.
  5. sprawling
    spreading out in different directions
    You're in prison right now. A giant, sprawling prison — and you'll spend the rest of your life here.
  6. imam
    the person who leads prayers in a mosque
    Our imam leads us in reciting a verse from the Quran.
  7. technically
    according to the exact meaning; according to the facts
    Actually, if you're old or sick or traveling, you're technically exempt...but most people in the camps fast anyway, even if they're sick or hungry.
  8. exempt
    freed from or not subject to an obligation or liability
    Actually, if you're old or sick or traveling, you're technically exempt...but most people in the camps fast anyway, even if they're sick or hungry.
  9. elaborate
    marked by complexity and richness of detail
    Back in Somalia, there would be a big banquet on Eid — families would cook elaborate meals and share with their neighbors.
  10. resilient
    recovering readily from adversity, depression, or the like
    You are all strong, resilient children, and I see so much potential in this room.
  11. muffled
    being or made softer or less loud or clear
    Then through the silence, I heard the muffled sound of Nimo's voice.
  12. remote
    inaccessible and sparsely populated
    When I was a little girl, we lived in a remote village.
  13. minaret
    a slender tower with balconies, especially on a mosque
    You could still see all the palaces, mosques, and minarets from ancient times.
  14. interpreter
    someone who mediates between speakers of different languages
    My name is Salat and I'll be your interpreter.
  15. malnourished
    not being provided with adequate food or nutrients
    Malnourished. Malaria. Sick. Dehydrated.
  16. malaria
    a disease caused by parasites transmitted by mosquito bite
    Malnourished. Malaria. Sick. Dehydrated.
  17. dehydrate
    lose water or moisture
    Malnourished. Malaria. Sick. Dehydrated.
  18. billow
    rise up as if in waves
    I felt the meanness billow up inside me.
  19. attentive
    giving care
    Hassan is very attentive to little Nimo.
  20. naive
    marked by or showing unaffected simplicity
    I felt so naive for not seeing the truth that was right before me.
  21. grueling
    characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion
    The process was long and grueling, but I wasn't as nervous.
  22. valiant
    having or showing heroism or courage
    It is a valiant and agonizing struggle to focus not on what you have lost...but on what you have been given.
  23. constellation
    a configuration of stars as seen from the earth
    They form patterns. Constellations.
  24. essence
    the choicest or most vital part of some idea or experience
    If you know how to look, there are stories woven into the very essence of stars.
Created on Fri Sep 25 15:49:20 EDT 2020 (updated Fri Sep 25 15:53:43 EDT 2020)

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