A Long Walk to Water

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Author(s)

Linda Sue Park

Publisher

Sandpiper Publications

Genre(s)

Middle Grades

Age Range

10+

Release Date

October 04, 2011

ISBN

0547577311

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From Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park, an emotional novel based on a true story. Nya goes to the pond to fetch water for her family. She walks eight hours every day. Salva walks away from his war-torn village. He is a “lost boy” refugee, destined to cover Africa on foot, searching for his family and safety. Two young people . . . two stories. One country: Sudan. This mesmerizing dual narrative follows two threads—one unfolding in 2008 and one in 1985—with one hopeful message: that even in a troubled country, determined survivors may find the future they are hoping for.

Editor reviews

2 reviews

Inspirational and Moving Story

March 26, 2012

Overall rating

5.0

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I had read A Long Way Gone, a book about the lost boys of Sudan, awhile ago and often wondered if there was anything available for younger readers. I was looking for a book that could help educate my own students about life outside the United States. I then heard of A Long Walk to Water.

The narration is split between two characters; Salva and Nya. They both face hardship and have to deal with situations that most adults have never had to face. Salva's journey, based on a true story, begins in 1985 as the conflict in rages throughout Sudan. Nya’s story begins in 2008 where she must find water to survive.

The topic of the Lost Boys of the Sudan can be a difficult and complicated story to describe to young readers. To live in an area where there is a war that never seems to end and suffering beyond many young people’s imagination is difficult to put into words. Linda Sue Park weaves a beautiful story mixing the horrors of the past with those of present day. She brings awareness to the conflict in Sudan and the country’s need for clean water.

This is a great book for readers of any age and is sure to bring about some great discussions. Even as an adult, the book is enlightening and helps the reader develop a deeper appreciation of many things we take for granted.

Good Points

Based on a true story
Good for readers of all ages

Joanne Mumley, Twitter Manager Top 50 Reviewer 217 reviews

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A window into the World

November 09, 2022

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

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N/A

A Long Walk To Water By Linda Sue Park (2010) is historical fiction based on real events and people and is an accessible story for children 10 and above. Moreover, anyone wanting to learn more about what a “Lost Boys” of Sudan endured, will find this a satisfying read.
A Long Walk To Water is told from two voices, a girl named Nya and a boy named Salva. They both are eleven years old, and both live in Sudan. Nya’s story is set in 2008 and this eleven-year-old walks two hours one way to get water for her family. She does this twice a day. Salva’s story is set in 1985, the time of the Second Sudanese Civil War. Salva walks away from his war-torn villages and keeps walking to another country and to refugee centers.
These are real stories of very young people carrying heavy emotional, physical, and generational burdens in one of the poorest countries of the world. Most of the population lives in what we Americans would likely consider as unbelievably hard conditions.
The book jacket explains, and I agree; “This mesmerizing narrative follows two threads – with one hopeful message: that even in a troubled country, determined survivors may find the future they are hoping for.”

Good Points

This book would be an excellent catalyst for a classroom or family discussion about the differences in life experiences eleven year olds have in other parts of the world.

It also could lead to discussion about water and its importance.