Book Review: A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Summary by Goodreads:

The New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the "lost boys" of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way. 

My Thoughts:

My son read this book last year in 6th grade and recommended it to me.  When I saw it on the shelf in our school library, I knew it would be a perfect weekend read.  This story is told from two alternating views:  Nya, an eleven year old Sudanese girl whose job each day is to fetch water from a pond two hours away from her home and Salva, an eleven year old boy who is separated from his family when his village is attacked while he is at school.  He ends up fleeing with other refugees across the desert to Ethopia.  Throughout out their "walks to water" they both face heart-breaking situations and must do what they can to survive.  I kept asking my son if the two characters at some point connect and as he told me, "Just keep reading mom, you will love the ending." He was right!  

While this is touted as a children's book, A Long Walk to Water is one that I would recommend to students of all ages.  This story is an important one and helps children understand the world outside our four walls.  If you are looking for a fast yet powerful read, check out A Long Walk to Water.  This is one I will be recommending for a while.