One Sentence Summary
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is a coming-of-age novel about Salva, a Sudanese refugee, and Nya, a South Sudanese girl struggling to get clean water in the midst of oppressive war.
Book Genre
This novel is a historical fiction, set in the midst of the civil war of Sudan in the 1980s and 2000s.
Main Topic of the Book
This novel is about the struggles of survival, resilience, and hope in the midst of a devastating civil war. The main characters, Salva and Nya, fight to protect their families, search for a better life, and fight against injustice.
Key Ideas
- War: The civil war of Sudan affects everyday life, creating hazardous and restricted conditions.
- Refugees: Salva, a Sudanese refugee, struggles with displacement and loneliness on his journey.
- Determination: Salva and Nya maintain their will to survive and fight for justice.
- Resilience: Both characters rise above their circumstances and overcome their pasts.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
The book is composed of two interweaving stories that both take place in Sudan.
Story 1: Salva (1980s)
The first story follows Salva, a young boy from the Dinka tribe of Sudan. Early in the novel, Salva is separated from his family during a war raid and is forced into a long and painful journey as a refugee. He encounters harsh conditions, racism and violence while he searches for his family and attempts to lead other refugees to safety.
Story 2: Nya (2000s)
The second story follows Nya, a young girl living in South Sudan in the present day. Nya is tasked with the responsibility of the arduous task of fetching water for her family, a journey which can take up to 8 hours a day. She saves to send her brother and other villagers to school, dreaming of a better future.
Key Takeaways
The main takeaway of this novel is an idea of hope and resilience in the face of hardship. It emphasizes the themes of courage, determination, and the power of hope to push through the impossible.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Linda Sue Park is a New York Times best-selling author of numerous acclaimed novels for young readers. Park was the 2002 Newbery Medal winner for her novel A Single Shard, and has earned numerous honors throughout her career.
Target Audience
A Long Walk to Water is targeted towards middle grade readers, ages 8 – 12.
Publisher and First Publication Date
A Long Walk to Water was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2010.