Questions About A Long Walk to Water

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Answered Questions (36)

Andrea It is my understanding that Nya is fictional, but represents the current day life of villagers in South Sudan. Check out YouTube interviews with Linda…moreIt is my understanding that Nya is fictional, but represents the current day life of villagers in South Sudan. Check out YouTube interviews with Linda Sue Park and Salva Dut. There is more revealed in these on line discussions.
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I'm going to do a summer book group for just three months. The theme is Africa. We are going to read, "A long walk to water", "Listening for lions", and I need one more. Any thoughts? It needs to be a fairly short and easy read. I've started "Americanah" but think it will be too long. These are busy moms short on time.

Gay Lynn How about several picture books? Or just let different ones read different books.
* Beatrice's Goat which is emblematic for Heifer's International's w…moreHow about several picture books? Or just let different ones read different books.
* Beatrice's Goat which is emblematic for Heifer's International's work would be wonderful. True Story. Parenthetically many other NGO's now give gifts similar to the effective Heifer model...
**I love the message of Fly, Eagle, Fly!By Christopher Gregorowski--kind of a fable with great illustrations. This South African tale might start discussion.
***Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters By John Steptoe is somewhat an African Cinderella story. It's in all school libraries, most would have read it already. Also beautifully illustrated.
****Galimoto" by Karen Williams may not be about an actual child but children in general in Malawi and many countries contriving their own toys. I've seen toys sold in markets in Africa and sold in Fair Trade stores which sell products to American with less going to the middle man. One in my town is Sojourns in Birmingham AL There are many. Not all have toys, but the stores are there. www dot worldcrafts dot org
*****Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa –by Jeanette Winter is a true story of a poor farming lady who hated the deforestation of Kenya and brought change to her country. She won a Nobel Prize I believe for her work.
(I like MomToKippy's idea of Number 1 Detective Agency. They are a bit slow reading for me, but fun. Simple detective work and a little budding romance for a lady trying to decide if she's settling for the guy who cares for her. PBS showed BBC renditions of the books. The shows are at my library in the DVD section. )(less)

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I see this is listed as young adult, but would it be appropriate for middle school aged child?

Abigail Yes, I read this as a 12 year old, and I enjoyed it. The only thing that might a middle schooler might not like would be the violence, (crocodiles, gu…moreYes, I read this as a 12 year old, and I enjoyed it. The only thing that might a middle schooler might not like would be the violence, (crocodiles, gunfights, starvation etc., etc.) but I think the positive role models, striving for good, and a happy ending really cancel out the sad/violent parts of the story. I think it was a great read, and I definitely recommend it!(less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

CJ Since it is true that Salva drilled wells for the Nuer as well as the Dinka, I think it is likely that he met a girl like Nya. However, I do not think…moreSince it is true that Salva drilled wells for the Nuer as well as the Dinka, I think it is likely that he met a girl like Nya. However, I do not think that Nya was based off of a child he met.(less)

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A long walk to water is a very good book and i would definitely recommend it to many people because it made me feel grateful for what i have and to not waste food, water or any of life's needs. When you have a chance read a long walk to water by Linda Sue Park. Nya is a fictional character right?