A Long Walk to Water: International Bestseller Based on a True Story
As seen:
By Linda Sue Park
avg rating
9 reviews
A gripping tale of conflict and survival that has inspired millions of young readers and adults alike, with three million copies sold worldwide
Eleven-year-old Salva is forced to flee on foot when his village comes under attack. Braving every imaginable hardship – including killer lions and hungry crocodiles – he is one of the ‘lost boys’ travelling the African continent on foot in search of his family and a safe place to stay.
Nya goes to the pond two times a day to fetch water. It takes her eight hours. But there is unexpected hope, as these two stories set in Sudan – one unfolding in 2008 and one in 1985 – go on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way.
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5 stars
surprising format, sensitively written
every child should read it - every teacher should read it
I loved how they wove the stories together and how the stories have you a heartfelt and emotive view into the Sudan conflicts and it’s effects on life there. It was easy to read and Sulva and Lya are very likeable characters. I particularly felt for Lya.
It's based on a true story.It made me appreciate running water in the house.
A fascinating and moving account of the hardships faced by two Sudanese children. The book mainly features the extraordinary struggle of Salva, a boy who is forced to flee his village during the Sudanese Civil War. Some details are fictionalised by the author, Linda Sue Park, but the real obstacles faced by Salva in his attempt to reach safety, and ultimately to find his family will keep you engrossed. He becomes one of 'the lost boys' travelling the African continent. The book details the hardships he faced on his journey and within refugee camps. Meanwhile, Nya is a young girl who has to walk several hours every day to fetch water for her family. Their two stories reach a heart-warming conclusion. This book is poignant with refugee crises ongoing and it is always important for children to be reminded that people are born into very different circumstances.
This short book has more in it to think about than many books three times the length. It tells the story of two children in Southern Sudan, a country afflicted by war and drought. The language is simple but poetic and the reader will speed through the harrowing and pacy account of Salva’s long walk to freedom to find that his life intersects with that of Nya in the most heart warming way. A true story told by a master story teller. For year 5 and above and especially good to read aloud.
It is a great story and very touching telling us through times of hardship to never lose hope.
It interested me greatly because there were a few unexpected twists in the book, when he goes to America and when he finds his father in a hospital.
I would because the story is sad but with a happy ending.
Based on a true story - bravery of them to cross a lake of crocodiles
Based on true story. Factual for my learning of wider world
Based upon a true story, but part fiction, the story is about a boy called Salva who was forced to flee from his village due to the civil war and make the long trek through Southern Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya whilst facing many dangers including deserts, crocodiles and bullets. Salva needs to learn how to take one step/problem at a time.Many years later, Salva starts his own charity; to bring fresh water to South Sudan by drilling water holes and installing pumps.
Even though easy to read, the content makes it more appropriate for older readers (12+).
