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Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan
One of thousands of children who fled strife in southern Sudan, John Bul Dau survived hunger, exhaustion, and violence. His wife, Martha, endured similar hardships. In this memorable book, the two convey the best of African values while relating searing accounts of famine and war. There’s warmth as well, in their humorous tales of adapting to American life. For its importance as a primary source, for its inclusion of the rarely told female perspective of Sudan’s lost children, for its celebration of human resilience, this is the perfect story to inform and inspire young readers.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
96 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
John Bul Dau
3 books40 followersJohn Dau is a survivor of a 14-year journey from his home village in Duk County, Sudan in 1987 to his arrival in Syracuse, New York in 2001. As a young boy he fled Sudanese government troops and eventually arrived at the Kukuma refugee camp in Kenya in 1992. During this journey of more than 1,000 miles, he led thousands of younger children through violence and starvation. Selected to come to Syracuse, New York along with 140 other "Lost Boys of Sudan" in 2001, John pursued the “American Dream.” He brought his sister and mother to Syracuse and is now married with a daughter and son.
While working 60 hours a week as a security guard, he completed his Associate's Degree at Onondaga Community College and started his BA in Policy Studies at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship.
He now speaks professionally throughout the United States and is President of the John Dau Foundation based in Syracuse, New York. In 2006, he was featured in the award-winning documentary, God Grew Tired of Us, and, with Michael Sweeney, wrote his first book entitled God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir, published by National Geographic in 2007.
As a human rights activist for the people of South Sudan, he has lived a remarkable life of cultural adaptation. John has received many prestigious awards, including National Geographic's Emerging Explorers Award and was a Volvo for Life finalist in the Quality of Life category which carried a contribution from Volvo of $25,000 to the John Dau Foundation. John was also named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader for 2008.
As a leader, John is an experienced social entrepreneur. He has started three 501(c)3 organizations. He is an advisor for two of these organizations, the Sudanese Lost Boys Foundation of New York and the American Care for Sudan Foundation, both of which operate with independent boards. His primary effort now is to build the John Dau Foundation into a financially stable organization that supports the building and maintenance of clinics in South Sudan.
While working 60 hours a week as a security guard, he completed his Associate's Degree at Onondaga Community College and started his BA in Policy Studies at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship.
He now speaks professionally throughout the United States and is President of the John Dau Foundation based in Syracuse, New York. In 2006, he was featured in the award-winning documentary, God Grew Tired of Us, and, with Michael Sweeney, wrote his first book entitled God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir, published by National Geographic in 2007.
As a human rights activist for the people of South Sudan, he has lived a remarkable life of cultural adaptation. John has received many prestigious awards, including National Geographic's Emerging Explorers Award and was a Volvo for Life finalist in the Quality of Life category which carried a contribution from Volvo of $25,000 to the John Dau Foundation. John was also named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader for 2008.
As a leader, John is an experienced social entrepreneur. He has started three 501(c)3 organizations. He is an advisor for two of these organizations, the Sudanese Lost Boys Foundation of New York and the American Care for Sudan Foundation, both of which operate with independent boards. His primary effort now is to build the John Dau Foundation into a financially stable organization that supports the building and maintenance of clinics in South Sudan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
July 9, 2016
Powerful and descriptive day by day, and at times moment by moment telling by two individuals, one a six year old girl, the other a 13 year old boy when the Civil War in Sudan began.
It's not perfect English, but close enough for these Dinka children.
You'll not only learn about their awareness from the first shot, but their lives before, during and after they migrate. Within this is an essential and emotive telling of their culture in each particular tribe, strictures of tradition in their clan and cow-herding lifestyle. Cows are money, life, milk. Dinka do things in the Dinka way. Both John and Martha (English names)continue at this as much as the are able, even to the living where the Father's (male) relatives abide. I was particularly struck that after all of their starvation, turmoil, life changes, and horrific memories and nightmare "mind visions"- years later; they STILL did not marry until the 80 cows price of the dowry was paid to the "uncle" who they found (and never knew) among survivors back in Sudan.
They traipse Ethiopia, Uganda, into Kenya at different times in their treks. UN camps in periods of a couple years each in between for both of them. Martha becomes like a Mother at 6 to her 3 year old sister. John's tales of the reality of the "Lost Boys" in those deserts and camps were some of the most heart wrenching I have ever read. Other tribes were killing them with shots in ambush despite which direction that turned. But the disease and starvation! And wild animals too during the crossing of the Gilo.
The book also includes a good chart to the years from the beginning of the Sudan as a country to the present. And also gives a more than decent epilogue to some very unexpected outcomes in America and in Australia.
This is a genocide that has little copy compared to others, even within the African. I had no idea that the Arabian North held this animosity for the Southern Sudan tribes, especially those who held Christian belief. Or that the borders were so strictly protected by other countries' tribes, either. And from the very beginning in 1955.
What came across to me that made this sad book so readable, was the attitude of the two narrators. It's phenomenal, the human spirit of youth- those who despite losing all of their family pursue a direction forward towards a search for joy, rather than one backwards toward revenge.
It's not perfect English, but close enough for these Dinka children.
You'll not only learn about their awareness from the first shot, but their lives before, during and after they migrate. Within this is an essential and emotive telling of their culture in each particular tribe, strictures of tradition in their clan and cow-herding lifestyle. Cows are money, life, milk. Dinka do things in the Dinka way. Both John and Martha (English names)continue at this as much as the are able, even to the living where the Father's (male) relatives abide. I was particularly struck that after all of their starvation, turmoil, life changes, and horrific memories and nightmare "mind visions"- years later; they STILL did not marry until the 80 cows price of the dowry was paid to the "uncle" who they found (and never knew) among survivors back in Sudan.
They traipse Ethiopia, Uganda, into Kenya at different times in their treks. UN camps in periods of a couple years each in between for both of them. Martha becomes like a Mother at 6 to her 3 year old sister. John's tales of the reality of the "Lost Boys" in those deserts and camps were some of the most heart wrenching I have ever read. Other tribes were killing them with shots in ambush despite which direction that turned. But the disease and starvation! And wild animals too during the crossing of the Gilo.
The book also includes a good chart to the years from the beginning of the Sudan as a country to the present. And also gives a more than decent epilogue to some very unexpected outcomes in America and in Australia.
This is a genocide that has little copy compared to others, even within the African. I had no idea that the Arabian North held this animosity for the Southern Sudan tribes, especially those who held Christian belief. Or that the borders were so strictly protected by other countries' tribes, either. And from the very beginning in 1955.
What came across to me that made this sad book so readable, was the attitude of the two narrators. It's phenomenal, the human spirit of youth- those who despite losing all of their family pursue a direction forward towards a search for joy, rather than one backwards toward revenge.
November 28, 2017
I read a book lost boy, lost girl ESCAPING CIVIL WAR IN SUDAN . It’s a book about john and Martha telling their story about running away from their home because of civil war and lost their families while the civil war. They trying to find a safe place and they had to live with other families.
Things that i like about this book was that i got to know about other countries struggling for survival too , not only my country. The people in Sudan was struggling about their lives and ran away from war. What going in Sudan is similar to my country, I knew that my parents have to run away from their country too and Burmese was burning the house down and took away the foods. They ran away from their home and came to lived in the refugees camp in Thailand and they move to American. I liked this book because it similar to my country too. Another reason I like this book is that it tell about what are they struggling while running away from civil war. When I asked my parents why they run away from their home, they didn’t told me every detail why they running away from home, so I really like this book because it tell me the details about running away from home and without parents.
The reason I don’t like this book because there no fun part in the story. In the story it talk about the dangers life and struggling lives in the camp. While I read the story, there nothing it make me happy about this story, so I think the author should write something fun about this book too. Another reason that I don’t like this book is that girls that didn’t live with their parent, they were forced to marry in a young age and marry to old guy. I feeling like we should not forced ours children because that doesn’t show how you are a good parents and the way you raising you children that doesn’t show a good way. We should educate our children if you want to have good life, we should not force them to do something they don’t like. That one reason I don’t like about this book.
I recommend his book because it really good book and I really like it. We we’re very lucky that we’re in this generation, we lucky that we didn’t have to run away from civil war, a very bad war and struggling life. I recommend this book, so you can feeling about this book generation and compare to you generation.
Things that i like about this book was that i got to know about other countries struggling for survival too , not only my country. The people in Sudan was struggling about their lives and ran away from war. What going in Sudan is similar to my country, I knew that my parents have to run away from their country too and Burmese was burning the house down and took away the foods. They ran away from their home and came to lived in the refugees camp in Thailand and they move to American. I liked this book because it similar to my country too. Another reason I like this book is that it tell about what are they struggling while running away from civil war. When I asked my parents why they run away from their home, they didn’t told me every detail why they running away from home, so I really like this book because it tell me the details about running away from home and without parents.
The reason I don’t like this book because there no fun part in the story. In the story it talk about the dangers life and struggling lives in the camp. While I read the story, there nothing it make me happy about this story, so I think the author should write something fun about this book too. Another reason that I don’t like this book is that girls that didn’t live with their parent, they were forced to marry in a young age and marry to old guy. I feeling like we should not forced ours children because that doesn’t show how you are a good parents and the way you raising you children that doesn’t show a good way. We should educate our children if you want to have good life, we should not force them to do something they don’t like. That one reason I don’t like about this book.
I recommend his book because it really good book and I really like it. We we’re very lucky that we’re in this generation, we lucky that we didn’t have to run away from civil war, a very bad war and struggling life. I recommend this book, so you can feeling about this book generation and compare to you generation.
July 29, 2016
This book gripped me from beginning to end. Two survivors of the civil war in the Sudan back in the late '80s and early '90s tell in alternate chapters the story of how they survived and eventually made their way to America. John and Martha lived in separate villages in southern Sudan and were swept up in the civil war 2 years apart. They describe how John ended up in Ethiopia while Martha found refuge in Kenya. It's hard to imagine living such lives. Just as they seemed to be settling down into new lives, civil war uprooted them again. Children need stability, and I have to admire how they managed to find that despite the uncertainties in their lives. Eventually John and Martha meet, then part when Martha leaves for Seattle, in America, in 2000. The following year John arrives in Syracuse, right near where I live, to begin his new life. They marry and settled down in Syracuse, had children, and, happily, received good news about some of their relatives whom they'd assumed were dead. I'm so glad they wrote this book, because their story is important. The book is enhanced by a section of color photos and a timeline of events in Sudan as they related to John and Martha's lives. I highly recommend this book, not only to inform the reader about the terrible costs of war, but also to inspire by the resilience of the authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
This book is very touching; a look into the perseverance and bravery the young Lost Boys and Girls of southern Sudan had to muster to flee civil war. They never lost their culture or customs and created success for themselves, in situations that so many of us could never imagine for ourselves, let alone our 6 year old selves.
South Sudan 🛫
South Sudan 🛫
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November 7, 2016This book was very good because it helped me realize what it was like in Southern Sudan during that time period. It makes me wonder how would it feel to walk out of your country and all of the sudden see someone who was a different race than you. I would suggest this to those who are interested in the history of the world.
October 15, 2021
Even though I've seen the documentary God Grew Tired of Us, read the historical fiction account of the Lost Boys in Linda Sue Park's A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story, and seen many interviews with Salva Dut, I still enjoyed this memoir written by both a Lost Boy and a Lost Girl of Sudan about almost the exact same experience. I read this aloud to my husband, and for him, this was his first time with this subject matter.
John's experiences as a Lost Boy were so similar to Salva's that I wonder if they weren't actually together from start to finish. Even so, it is worth reading, especially since we get the perspective of Martha, one of the Lost Girls whom I didn't even know existed. Her story opened my eyes to different horrors of that time and much more about the Dinka culture, especially as it pertains to women.
The language is simple and therefore totally accessible to younger readers; it would make an excellent nonfiction companion to the 7th grade required reading of Long Walk to Water. The chapters, alternating between Martha and John, are short, and even sharing a chapter or two to emphasize a concept learned in the Sudanese Civil War unit would be engaging and helpful. I would have liked to have Martha's perspective when I taught with that book, and I wish I could've shared the 3 different accounts of the crossing of the Gilo River in Ethiopia to compare at the time.
I'm thankful that these two survivors published their accounts of surviving such a horrific experience, and I'm glad I have this in both libraries.
John's experiences as a Lost Boy were so similar to Salva's that I wonder if they weren't actually together from start to finish. Even so, it is worth reading, especially since we get the perspective of Martha, one of the Lost Girls whom I didn't even know existed. Her story opened my eyes to different horrors of that time and much more about the Dinka culture, especially as it pertains to women.
The language is simple and therefore totally accessible to younger readers; it would make an excellent nonfiction companion to the 7th grade required reading of Long Walk to Water. The chapters, alternating between Martha and John, are short, and even sharing a chapter or two to emphasize a concept learned in the Sudanese Civil War unit would be engaging and helpful. I would have liked to have Martha's perspective when I taught with that book, and I wish I could've shared the 3 different accounts of the crossing of the Gilo River in Ethiopia to compare at the time.
I'm thankful that these two survivors published their accounts of surviving such a horrific experience, and I'm glad I have this in both libraries.
December 12, 2018
A tragic story that at times it almost reads like fiction, Lost Boy, Lost Girl is a difficult, yet inspiring read.
The Sudanese Civil War left tens of thousands of children as refugees; this book tells the story of just two of them, John and Martha, as they wander for years, struggling to survive. Starvation, malaria, and parasites are a part of everyday life. But so, too, is hope. Church and school are held in refugee camps, and the children are determined to overcome their difficult circumstances.
The story ends on a hopeful note, with Lost Boy and Lost Girl finding new lives in America.
Highly recommended, especially to younger readers.
The Sudanese Civil War left tens of thousands of children as refugees; this book tells the story of just two of them, John and Martha, as they wander for years, struggling to survive. Starvation, malaria, and parasites are a part of everyday life. But so, too, is hope. Church and school are held in refugee camps, and the children are determined to overcome their difficult circumstances.
The story ends on a hopeful note, with Lost Boy and Lost Girl finding new lives in America.
Highly recommended, especially to younger readers.
October 23, 2018
This is sad story , everyone got separated from each other . They sleep without food for 3 days sometimes. They cannot walk then also they survive. Most of them are killed by soldiers. They cannot stay more then one week they have to move otherwise they got killed and sometimes they are not in situation they can move and they die because of hunger and sickness. One day U.N came and they fill out some kind of applications then some of those came to America and start their new life.
March 8, 2017
It was pretty good! The book was about the journey of Martha and John, escaping the torture, bombing, and beating. They walked for a long time, suffering starvation, and decease. They finally make it to refuge, safety, and peace. Martha and John meet, and start getting an education. They learn English and find a way to get to America. They end up getting married and having kids and living a happy life.
April 14, 2013
The book is really intresting so far. I didnt think I would like a book about war, but it is really good. I am on Part 5 and 6. This book gives details and information about Sudan itself. I think everyone can relate this to this book because we have things they dont and we take alot for advantage. As I read the end of this book, I felt a since of accomplishment for Martha and John: the got together and had three children, they moved to America were life was better for them as independent people coming out of a struggle and they found their families that they thought were dead. Overall this book was really good; I learned new words, got a better understanding of the war in Sudan and connected to this book better than I thought I could.
April 4, 2013
My review on this book is very positive. I give it a 5 out of 5 in ratings. Even though I have not finished reading it yet, it keeps me entertained and engulfed in the text. This book makes me appreciate what I have here in America because the children in Sudan have to fight for their lives and I could never imagine going through the pain they do. To conclude this review, I would recommend this book to anybody because I love it! Thumbs up !
July 13, 2011
Stories of two refugees from Sudan, one male and one female. Very enlightening as many details are included about the Sudanese including various tribal groups, some info on the system of names (one Christian and the other clan related), and of course the story of fleeing Sudan due to civil war. Some info on settling into American culture. #bookaday
May 13, 2016
This book was exceptionally good. It told the story of two teens who were separated from their families in the middle of Sudan's civil war. It was a good mix of action and adventure and at times, readers were in suspense. It was put together really well with good transitions between John and Martha. I would recommend this for all readers, especially those interested in history.
May 17, 2016
Lost boy lost girl is an inspiring book about none other then a lost boy and a lost girl. A civil war breaks out in Sudan. It shows the rough and tough life of the refugees being pushed out of their homes and young children living alone fighting hunger and the elements. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who likes an adventurous/survival book.
July 28, 2011
This double autobiography tells the story of John and Martha and their experience living through the war in Sudan. It reveals extreme trauma, deprivation, and incrediable determination to survive. It is well worth the read.
March 23, 2013
I am currently reading this book and so far this book is very interesting and very descriptive. Eventhough i have not completed the book, I know that the book is about a young boy and girl. The lost boy and lost girl are trying to get away from the civil war in Sudan.
May 8, 2016
Lost boy Lost girl is a book that makes you realize there are all kinds of different cultures and traditions. It also makes you realize how hard it was living as a runaway during the Sudan war. The two main characters, John and Martha, take on tough and importaint responsibilities and tasks.
May 16, 2018
"Boom, Boom" One night John wakes up to find his home, his town, burning. The only thing he can do is run. Sudan is at war. John, Martha, and thousands of other people are running for their lives trying to escape the war. Will they make it out alive?
March 22, 2017
Erick Calderon
Ms. Richey
Period 4
24 March 2017
John Bul Dau and Martha Arual Akech are the main characters in Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan by John Bul Dau and Martha Arual Akech. John and Martha were kids as this story takes place. John was thirteen while Martha was six. This story comes from the life of both of them. While John and Martha were growing up, Sudan broke out in a civil war. John and Martha are struggling to stay alive. They have to keep moving and moving and it even seems as if the war follows them. Once they settle in one spot, they have to move again due to the war. Martha and John finally get a chance to come to the United States. This is the changing point in their lives. Moving to the United States means better living conditions, education and relief from war. John and Martha later help kids that are still in Sudan and try to prevent the kids to go through what they go through. After all of this, through very rough times, John marries Martha.
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is one of those books that you don’t want to put down, or one of those tv shows you get mad when a commercial begins before an exciting part comes on. The reason for my interest in this book is due to me reading a similar book back in middle school. I don’t exactly remember the name of the book but now i understand what these refugees really went through. Although this book is one that brings a happy ending, I felt really sympathetic for John and Martha throughout the entire book due to all the things they go through. Going through these things, like trying to survive at such a young age, must be really hard. I’ve never been through something like this but I really felt bad. I recommend this book to anyone who likes stories based on real experiences.
Ms. Richey
Period 4
24 March 2017
John Bul Dau and Martha Arual Akech are the main characters in Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan by John Bul Dau and Martha Arual Akech. John and Martha were kids as this story takes place. John was thirteen while Martha was six. This story comes from the life of both of them. While John and Martha were growing up, Sudan broke out in a civil war. John and Martha are struggling to stay alive. They have to keep moving and moving and it even seems as if the war follows them. Once they settle in one spot, they have to move again due to the war. Martha and John finally get a chance to come to the United States. This is the changing point in their lives. Moving to the United States means better living conditions, education and relief from war. John and Martha later help kids that are still in Sudan and try to prevent the kids to go through what they go through. After all of this, through very rough times, John marries Martha.
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is one of those books that you don’t want to put down, or one of those tv shows you get mad when a commercial begins before an exciting part comes on. The reason for my interest in this book is due to me reading a similar book back in middle school. I don’t exactly remember the name of the book but now i understand what these refugees really went through. Although this book is one that brings a happy ending, I felt really sympathetic for John and Martha throughout the entire book due to all the things they go through. Going through these things, like trying to survive at such a young age, must be really hard. I’ve never been through something like this but I really felt bad. I recommend this book to anyone who likes stories based on real experiences.
November 18, 2018
“Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan,” are by the two characters within the book, who managed to escape Sudan during the civil war. John Bul Dau and Martha Arual Akech, tell their treacherous stories through their childhood while they lived in Sudan. However, in order to get through their journey, they needed to maintain the hope, courage, and soul of a true Dinka tribe member.
They could remember the night the soldiers came to Duk Payuel as if it were yesterday. It was the night that started the explosions that would shake the earth in a way nothing else could. Many said it sounded like a gigantic tree being splintered in the forest- its’ wood a warning prick of gunshots. Throughout the book you see two children manage to survive hunger, exhaustion, sickness, and violence in different places. John and Martha share their memories of running, struggle for survival, and fear while they sprint alongside their elders. While traveling, they only could imagine if they would ever be able to return to their homeland. Through the hardships of a civil war comes munity, and when you are running for your life, you learn what it truly means to be brave.
Anyone who enjoys reading autobiographies or biographies will like “Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan.” John and Martha really bring out the true stories of their childhoods all throughout the book. They also bring to light the true dangers of what happens in a war zone. They both remind people of how fortunate you should be for their circumstances because there are people out there that don’t get to enjoy the things you do in life. The characters involved in the book are real people that share their experience while fleeing from Sudan, and they both have a unique story to tell. Overall, if you are looking for a book to read in history class or are just curious about what life was like during a time of need, this is the book for you.
They could remember the night the soldiers came to Duk Payuel as if it were yesterday. It was the night that started the explosions that would shake the earth in a way nothing else could. Many said it sounded like a gigantic tree being splintered in the forest- its’ wood a warning prick of gunshots. Throughout the book you see two children manage to survive hunger, exhaustion, sickness, and violence in different places. John and Martha share their memories of running, struggle for survival, and fear while they sprint alongside their elders. While traveling, they only could imagine if they would ever be able to return to their homeland. Through the hardships of a civil war comes munity, and when you are running for your life, you learn what it truly means to be brave.
Anyone who enjoys reading autobiographies or biographies will like “Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan.” John and Martha really bring out the true stories of their childhoods all throughout the book. They also bring to light the true dangers of what happens in a war zone. They both remind people of how fortunate you should be for their circumstances because there are people out there that don’t get to enjoy the things you do in life. The characters involved in the book are real people that share their experience while fleeing from Sudan, and they both have a unique story to tell. Overall, if you are looking for a book to read in history class or are just curious about what life was like during a time of need, this is the book for you.
August 11, 2017
If you have watched the documentary "God Grew Tired of Us," then you are already familiar with John Bul Dau. I really enjoyed that movie and was excited when I found a book detailing his experiences in Sudan.
So...I had a group of students who begged this year to read "A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story," but I had another group of students in the same class who had already read it. Now, I'm not against rereading, and "A Long Walk to Water" is worth reading more than once, but I wondered if there was anything else out there that the other group could read. Then I stumbled across this gem.
It is written in alternating chapters by John and his wife who met while fleeing the civil war in Sudan. The pair has a variety of experiences, some similar, some vastly different, but it aligns well with Salva's story in "A Long Walk to Water" and added a lot to our discussions about war and its impact on children. This book is well written, conveying the horrors that children fleeing the war faced without being overly graphic. It also contains several themes that resonated deeply with my students. I highly recommend "Lost Boy, Lost Girl"!
So...I had a group of students who begged this year to read "A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story," but I had another group of students in the same class who had already read it. Now, I'm not against rereading, and "A Long Walk to Water" is worth reading more than once, but I wondered if there was anything else out there that the other group could read. Then I stumbled across this gem.
It is written in alternating chapters by John and his wife who met while fleeing the civil war in Sudan. The pair has a variety of experiences, some similar, some vastly different, but it aligns well with Salva's story in "A Long Walk to Water" and added a lot to our discussions about war and its impact on children. This book is well written, conveying the horrors that children fleeing the war faced without being overly graphic. It also contains several themes that resonated deeply with my students. I highly recommend "Lost Boy, Lost Girl"!
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September 14, 2022Reading response
A different culture
finished reading August 30th
A problem the main character had was the need to adapt constantly. Fleeing war across multiple countries meant that the lost boys and girls couldn't carry on as normal, when they arrived at the refugee camp in Ethiopia, "With only a few adults to supervise us we had to create our own ways of living from day today." One of the ways they learned to adapt was through school as, "School helped gives us the tools to change our lives." I think the author was trying to show us how throughout huge challenges the boys and girls of Sudan couldn't simply carry on. They had to get an education, learn a language in order to survive. Sadly the author is showing us the reality of what Charles Darwin said about how, "It is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself." In everyday life adapting and changing is not generally a problem but instead an important factor in reacting to advancement. As technology changes, as social norms change, as we grow up - we too change to keep up with society.
A different culture
finished reading August 30th
A problem the main character had was the need to adapt constantly. Fleeing war across multiple countries meant that the lost boys and girls couldn't carry on as normal, when they arrived at the refugee camp in Ethiopia, "With only a few adults to supervise us we had to create our own ways of living from day today." One of the ways they learned to adapt was through school as, "School helped gives us the tools to change our lives." I think the author was trying to show us how throughout huge challenges the boys and girls of Sudan couldn't simply carry on. They had to get an education, learn a language in order to survive. Sadly the author is showing us the reality of what Charles Darwin said about how, "It is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself." In everyday life adapting and changing is not generally a problem but instead an important factor in reacting to advancement. As technology changes, as social norms change, as we grow up - we too change to keep up with society.
February 1, 2019
This book offers a straightforward, dual narrative of two actual Lost Children of Sudan and the journeys that took them from the arms of their families and, eventually, brought them together in America. While it is by no means well-written, it is easy to understand and lacks the descriptive violence that I'm certain could have been included in their stories. This makes it appropriate for grades 6 and up.
Having read similar narratives like A Long Walk to Water, which is so suspenseful, engaging, and beautifully-written, this was a bit of a disappointment. I did like that this book provided more background information on the Dinka traditions, which is something that is not focused on in Linda Sue Park's novel. Plus, there are many events in this account that also occur in Salva Dut's journey, so it was interesting to compare and contrast how each author addresses them. If you're looking for a basic Lost Children of Sudan story, check this out, but don't expect to be deeply moved by it.
Having read similar narratives like A Long Walk to Water, which is so suspenseful, engaging, and beautifully-written, this was a bit of a disappointment. I did like that this book provided more background information on the Dinka traditions, which is something that is not focused on in Linda Sue Park's novel. Plus, there are many events in this account that also occur in Salva Dut's journey, so it was interesting to compare and contrast how each author addresses them. If you're looking for a basic Lost Children of Sudan story, check this out, but don't expect to be deeply moved by it.
February 9, 2018
"First they never, ever give up, no matter what the odds are against them. And second, like the lions, they work together"-John (page 11). This book is set in the Sudanese civil war that broke out in the 80's. It is told from the point of view of a boy and girl who came from different circumstances but who both got caught in the war. While jumping from refugee camp to refugee camp they face several trials of starvation, thirst, and fear. They learn to hope for the best and tell stories and sing songs to forget their troubles. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about other cultures and the troubles that they go through. It is a very entertaining book full of action. A major theme in this book is hope because every refugee has to learn to hope for the best and have faith that things will get better or else they will not survive.
June 2, 2018
This was a very quick read told in alternate chapters by a married couple, both of whom were Lost Children of Sudan and came to the United States - though separately and long before they got married.
It was interesting to read their stories in sequence, and how similar and different they were - John was 13 when he had to flee, while Martha was around 6, so they had pretty different experiences because of their ages, but still shared so many of them since they ended up at all the same refugee camps.
I think this is a good one that is easy enough for a tween or teen to read and better understand the story of the children of Sudan in a personal way, and hopefully pique their interest a bit more.
I would be interested in seeing an update from these two on the post independence period since this one was published in 2010.
It was interesting to read their stories in sequence, and how similar and different they were - John was 13 when he had to flee, while Martha was around 6, so they had pretty different experiences because of their ages, but still shared so many of them since they ended up at all the same refugee camps.
I think this is a good one that is easy enough for a tween or teen to read and better understand the story of the children of Sudan in a personal way, and hopefully pique their interest a bit more.
I would be interested in seeing an update from these two on the post independence period since this one was published in 2010.
January 24, 2018
This book was good. It shows the journey of two refugees in Sudan during the time of war. You get to experience their struggles and triumphs, and understand the fight for survival during this time of war. This book also showed you the Dinka culture, and their perseverance. This book helps readers realize how fortunate we actually are, and that we shouldn't take things for granted. Both John and Martha had to fight for their lives, and continue on for a better life. I liked how their paths intertwined as they attempted to ensure a brighter future for themselves, and the ones they loved. Overall, this was a great book with a great lesson, that will make all readers appreciative for what they have today.
May 11, 2017
Such a great book it really gets to you and gives you a great picture about how hard it was for them for many years. I also love how it gives two perspectives of how thing went down. All their suffering it was like I was them I felt their anger, grief, sadness, and passion to make the most out of every situation no matter how bad it's been. How they always had a goal to reach and how hard they had to work to get it some have it worst then others but it's what you do after that makes you unique. I recommend this book to anyone who has a hard time but read the story of people who's lives been far more tragic to appreciate what we have.
February 2, 2018
"It was 1983. Southern Sudan was in the midst of a civil war." John and Martha are both trying to survive during the civil war. Lost boy, Lost girl is a true story where John and Martha are telling their story of what happened to them in the civil war. It switches off chapters where they tell their stories until they eventually meet. I would definitely recommend this to a friend, 1 if they want to get into honors language arts next year, and it tells the story of their culture and in what they do. One of the reading signposts that I noticed is that basically the whole story is a memory moment. It was a really good book.
February 4, 2019
Fabulous, short clear book that details the experiences of Martha and John, two Sudanese children forced to flee the destruction of their homes during the civil war. The prose is straightforward, so good for students who struggle with metaphor or complexity. The details are riveting.
Current conditions: 400,000 people have died over the last five years, that over 4 million South Sudanese have fled their homes and that half of the country’s population are facing severe hunger. An adolescent girl in South Sudan today is three times more likely to die in childbirth than to complete primary school
Current conditions: 400,000 people have died over the last five years, that over 4 million South Sudanese have fled their homes and that half of the country’s population are facing severe hunger. An adolescent girl in South Sudan today is three times more likely to die in childbirth than to complete primary school
February 28, 2023
This book is another truly inspiring story I recently just got to read. I really love how it was written by the author's and their own story based of the experiences they went through when escaping the Sudan civil war. It truly puts your mind into different perspectives and allows you the ability to really think about the struggles other people go through. For me, it gave me an empathetic perspective and truly allowed me to reflect on my own life to be grateful for the life I live currently and the positions I'm put into compared to the situations others face around the world or apart from myself.
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