65 pages 2 hours read

Linda Sue Park

A Long Walk to Water

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2010

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park alternates between the stories of Salva, a "Lost Boy" of Sudan forced to flee his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War, and Nya, a young Nuer girl who must walk hours each day to fetch water. Both characters' journeys highlight themes of perseverance and the importance of family, eventually intersecting when Salva returns to Sudan as a well-digger, bringing clean water to Nya's village. The book includes descriptions of war violence and the impacts of waterborne diseases.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park receives praise for its compelling, dual narrative structure, engaging both younger and adult readers. Critics highlight its emotional depth and educational value, effectively raising awareness about Sudan's history and the water crisis. Some note the book's simplicity may underwhelm those seeking complex plots. Overall, it's a resonant, impactful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Long Walk to Water?

A reader who would enjoy A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is typically interested in historical novels, stories about survival, and books that highlight resilience and hope amidst adversity. Fans of I Am Malala or The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind will find this narrative compelling and inspiring.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Book Details

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction

Auto/Biographical Fiction

Children's Literature

Themes

Relationships: Family

Topics

History: African

Education

Military / War