A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story

Linda Sue Park

Nov 2010 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

Cherished by millions of readers, this #1 New York Times bestselling novel is a powerful tale of perseverance and hope. Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park interweaves the stories of two Sudanese children who overcome mortal dangers to improve their lives and the lives of others.

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. Includes an afterword by author Linda Sue Park and the real-life Salva Dut, on whom the novel is based, and who went on to found Water for South Sudan.

Ratings and reviews

It is not a difficult read, but still very captivating. I love how there are two stories that end up as one--quite clever. I highly suggest this book because it has so many life lessons in twined throughout the story. If it appears overwhelming, just start with one page at a time . . .

It was very clever way to weave two stories of the girl and the boy from Sudan, seemingly unrelated until the end. I read the book to my two daughters aged 9 and 10 and it was good for them to learn about life outside of their comfortable California home.

Wow im surprised cuz if u heard of obob im in obob and its about reading and stuff and it is wierd wene nya and salvia meet in the end still i like it but its sad cuz her uncle and her other family members die besides his dad! Opps spolier😉

About the author

Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard and #1 New York Times bestseller for A Long Walk to Water, is the renowned author of many books for young readers, including picture books, poetry, and historical and contemporary fiction. Born in Illinois, Ms. Park has also lived in California, England, and Ireland. She now lives in Western New York. Learn more at lindasuepark.com.