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Novel Unit for A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Park
This novel unit contains everything you need to teach the novel A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Park. Includes comprehension and discussion questions for each chapter (with answer key), pre, during, and post reading activities, and links to internet sources that give more background information about the places and people in the novel. Also contains a comprehension test with answer key, additional activity and research activities, a list of suggested further reading, and a listing of the 6-12 Common Core Anchor Standards of Language Arts covered in the novel.
- GenresSchool
44 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2012
About the author
Sarah Pennington
22 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Want to Read
January 16, 20251. Now that you have had a chance to start the book, are you happy with your choice? Will you stick with this book? Why or why not?
Yes, it seems like a very interesting book. I think it's a good read that I will enjoy over the next few weeks. I've only read the first 20 pages but the topic and setting seems pretty cool. I'm pretty sure it's based on a real story from South Sudan 40 years ago. I hope to finish this book over the next few weeks
2.Salva Dut is a determined boy who becomes a refugee during the Second Sudanese Civil War, showcasing resilience and hope as he seeks to help his community. Nya is a hardworking girl who endures the daily struggle of walking miles for water, highlighting the harsh realities of her life. Together, their stories illustrate the impact of the hard quest for clean water.
3. What is the conflict or problem in the story? What will need to happen to resolve this problem or conflict?
In A Long Walk to Water, the main conflict centers on the struggle for water and survival. Nya has the daily challenge of fetching water, while Salva faces dangers as a refugee. Resolving these conflicts requires Nya to access a reliable water source, like a well, and Salva to find safety and community. Their stories highlight the themes of perseverance and hope for a better future.
4.Does the story take place somewhere that you can relate to? Describe the place that is meaningful to you, and then describe the setting in the book that relates to it. How are they similar?
I think the setting and overall tone of the book is something similar too a book I read last year. It is set in an African country with war going on and the main character gets put in the military.It was a very great book that I enjoyed very much. This story so far has just reminded me a lot of what I read in that book. I also think that what is to come in the book is going to be a bit similar.
5.Describe and event or character from the story’s past that has not been explicitly explained to you. What parts of the story informed your description?
An event that isn't explicitly detailed is Salva's early life before the war. We know he lived in a rural village, but the story hints at a peaceful existence filled with family and community. The contrast between this past and the chaos of his journey reveals the depth of his loss and resilience. His memories of home and the normalcy he once knew shape his determination to survive and find his family.
6. Describe a scene in the book where a sensory image is used in an extreme or shocking way. What sense does the author appeal to? What is the author’s goal in using this technique?
A particularly striking scene occurs when the protagonist, Salva, experiences the overwhelming heat of the sun during his journey. The author appeals to the sense of touch, describing the relentless, scorching rays that seem to hurt his skin, making it feel as though he is walking on burning coals. This vivid imagery not only highlights Salva's physical suffering but also creates a deep sense of desperation and resilience. By emphasizing the intensity of the heat, the author aims to immerse the reader in Salva's struggle.
7. Summary of the last chapter I read.
In Chapter 16 of A Long Walk to Water, Salva is working hard to bring clean water to people in Sudan by helping build wells. He faces many challenges, but he keeps going because he wants to help his people. Meanwhile, Nya still has to walk a long way every day to get dirty water for her family. Salva’s efforts give hope that one day Nya’s community will have clean water too.
8. Questioning a historical component
The novel is based on the true experiences of Salva Dut, a Sudanese "Lost Boy," and depicts the struggles faced by people living through the Second Sudanese Civil War. Details like the description of the droughts, the journey through dangerous terrain, and the challenges faced by displaced persons all reflect the harsh realities of the war and its impact on the people of Sudan.
9. Is it a believable story
The story is both believable and engaging due to its depiction of real events and the resilience of its characters. The alternating narratives of Salva, a Sudanese boy fleeing war, and Nya, a girl walking for water in a rural village, create a stark contrast that emphasizes the hardships of survival. The realistic portrayal of the dangers they face, such as the brutality of conflict and the struggle for basic needs like water, makes the story compelling and emotionally impactful.
10. Describe an event in the story where you felt good or bad about a character’s decision-making. What did you feel when the character performed that action? What specific things made you feel that way?
11.I felt a mix of sadness and frustration when Salva's uncle was killed by armed men, leaving Salva alone in the wilderness. His decision to keep moving forward despite this immense loss showed his resilience, but I couldn’t help but feel heartbroken for him, as it underscored how much he had to endure at such a young age. The brutality of the situation, coupled with Salva’s courage to keep going, made me feel both inspired by his strength and deeply empathetic toward his suffering.
12.
If you would not recommend this book, what are the main elements of this book that made it difficult to read? What things could be changed in the book to make it a book worth recommending?
If I wouldn't recommend A Long Walk to Water, the main issues might include its shifting narrative structure, which can be disorienting, especially for readers who struggle to connect the two parallel storylines. Additionally, the simplicity of the writing may come across as too direct or lacking in depth for some, making the emotional impact less powerful.But some people may enjoy these things this way but I would try to improve it. To improve the book, it could benefit from deeper character development and a more cohesive blending of the two timelines to create a smoother, more engaging reading experience.
Yes, it seems like a very interesting book. I think it's a good read that I will enjoy over the next few weeks. I've only read the first 20 pages but the topic and setting seems pretty cool. I'm pretty sure it's based on a real story from South Sudan 40 years ago. I hope to finish this book over the next few weeks
2.Salva Dut is a determined boy who becomes a refugee during the Second Sudanese Civil War, showcasing resilience and hope as he seeks to help his community. Nya is a hardworking girl who endures the daily struggle of walking miles for water, highlighting the harsh realities of her life. Together, their stories illustrate the impact of the hard quest for clean water.
3. What is the conflict or problem in the story? What will need to happen to resolve this problem or conflict?
In A Long Walk to Water, the main conflict centers on the struggle for water and survival. Nya has the daily challenge of fetching water, while Salva faces dangers as a refugee. Resolving these conflicts requires Nya to access a reliable water source, like a well, and Salva to find safety and community. Their stories highlight the themes of perseverance and hope for a better future.
4.Does the story take place somewhere that you can relate to? Describe the place that is meaningful to you, and then describe the setting in the book that relates to it. How are they similar?
I think the setting and overall tone of the book is something similar too a book I read last year. It is set in an African country with war going on and the main character gets put in the military.It was a very great book that I enjoyed very much. This story so far has just reminded me a lot of what I read in that book. I also think that what is to come in the book is going to be a bit similar.
5.Describe and event or character from the story’s past that has not been explicitly explained to you. What parts of the story informed your description?
An event that isn't explicitly detailed is Salva's early life before the war. We know he lived in a rural village, but the story hints at a peaceful existence filled with family and community. The contrast between this past and the chaos of his journey reveals the depth of his loss and resilience. His memories of home and the normalcy he once knew shape his determination to survive and find his family.
6. Describe a scene in the book where a sensory image is used in an extreme or shocking way. What sense does the author appeal to? What is the author’s goal in using this technique?
A particularly striking scene occurs when the protagonist, Salva, experiences the overwhelming heat of the sun during his journey. The author appeals to the sense of touch, describing the relentless, scorching rays that seem to hurt his skin, making it feel as though he is walking on burning coals. This vivid imagery not only highlights Salva's physical suffering but also creates a deep sense of desperation and resilience. By emphasizing the intensity of the heat, the author aims to immerse the reader in Salva's struggle.
7. Summary of the last chapter I read.
In Chapter 16 of A Long Walk to Water, Salva is working hard to bring clean water to people in Sudan by helping build wells. He faces many challenges, but he keeps going because he wants to help his people. Meanwhile, Nya still has to walk a long way every day to get dirty water for her family. Salva’s efforts give hope that one day Nya’s community will have clean water too.
8. Questioning a historical component
The novel is based on the true experiences of Salva Dut, a Sudanese "Lost Boy," and depicts the struggles faced by people living through the Second Sudanese Civil War. Details like the description of the droughts, the journey through dangerous terrain, and the challenges faced by displaced persons all reflect the harsh realities of the war and its impact on the people of Sudan.
9. Is it a believable story
The story is both believable and engaging due to its depiction of real events and the resilience of its characters. The alternating narratives of Salva, a Sudanese boy fleeing war, and Nya, a girl walking for water in a rural village, create a stark contrast that emphasizes the hardships of survival. The realistic portrayal of the dangers they face, such as the brutality of conflict and the struggle for basic needs like water, makes the story compelling and emotionally impactful.
10. Describe an event in the story where you felt good or bad about a character’s decision-making. What did you feel when the character performed that action? What specific things made you feel that way?
11.I felt a mix of sadness and frustration when Salva's uncle was killed by armed men, leaving Salva alone in the wilderness. His decision to keep moving forward despite this immense loss showed his resilience, but I couldn’t help but feel heartbroken for him, as it underscored how much he had to endure at such a young age. The brutality of the situation, coupled with Salva’s courage to keep going, made me feel both inspired by his strength and deeply empathetic toward his suffering.
12.
If you would not recommend this book, what are the main elements of this book that made it difficult to read? What things could be changed in the book to make it a book worth recommending?
If I wouldn't recommend A Long Walk to Water, the main issues might include its shifting narrative structure, which can be disorienting, especially for readers who struggle to connect the two parallel storylines. Additionally, the simplicity of the writing may come across as too direct or lacking in depth for some, making the emotional impact less powerful.But some people may enjoy these things this way but I would try to improve it. To improve the book, it could benefit from deeper character development and a more cohesive blending of the two timelines to create a smoother, more engaging reading experience.
October 30, 2019
The book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is a story about a young man named Salva Dut who is caught in the middle of the Sudanese war so he is forced to flee his village and family. In Salva’s journey he makes friends and reunites with old family. I think this book is a ⅘ because it can get very intense and the book makes you feel like you’re there with Salva. This book is for someone who likes journey and action.
April 25, 2020
Home School ELA 9th Grade EB
September 13, 2024
Interesting true story. It's suitable for middle school students.
July 21, 2014
This is yet another book I read for our school library shelves and as part of the Ed. Com. at our school. I enjoyed this book and think it will be an excellent addition to our bookshelves at school. I think it will give our students a good perspective of life on the other side of the world - a place where some of their classmates have escaped from.
January 19, 2015
Great story based on an actual man who was one of Sudan's Lost Boys. Loved it for the inspiring message of hope.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews