Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Violence:  There is war raging in Sudan.  A village is attacked by rebel soldiers and the children in school are told to run into the bush.  A man is hit with the butt of a gun.  People are stung by bees.  A young boy goes missing in the night.  It is explained that a lion has probably killed him.  Salva’s shoes wear away so he is forced to walk barefoot.  His toenail is ripped off when he stubs it.  Men die from dehydration.  Uncle is tied to a tree and shot to death.  Refugees are forced into a river filled with crocodiles.  Many are shot.  1000 people die.

Adult Content:  There is a mention that Salva’s father has other wives.  This war in Africa revolves around religious freedoms.  Salva’s growing up years are filled with hardship and sorrow.  He is separated from his family.  He believes them all to be dead.

Synopsis

A Long Walk to Water is told from the alternating viewpoints of Salva and Nya, two young children from Sudan.  Salva’s story begins in 1985 in the midst of war and turmoil.  One day Salva’s school is attacked by rebel soldiers and the children are forced to flee into the bush to safety.  Salva is separated from his home and family and begins a long journey walking through the African countryside.  Nya’s story is set in 2008.  Her life revolves around water.  Her job is to walk the long distance to fetch water for her family.  It takes all day.  Then a change comes which interconnects the lives of both Nya and Salva.

This book is based on the true story of Salva Dut.  Books like this always leave me grateful for the life I lead.  The struggles Salva and so many others faced is just tragic.  It makes my heart hurt.  But, in the midst of war and heartache you find courage, determination and hope.  This book gives the reader a good idea of the pertinent harrowing experiences of Salva without becoming bogged down in the many particulars that filled those years in the refugee camps.  I enjoyed following both Salva and Nya’s lives through to the end when they eventually come together.  The ending is touching and filled with hope.  I think it is a good introduction to the war in Sudan and the conflicts surrounding that war.  A Long Walk to Water is a middle grade book.  School Library Journal says 5th-8th grade while Booklist says grades 6-9.  Here are a couple of my favorite quotes.  “I only need to get through the rest of this day, he told himself.  This day and no other. He sighed, and Salva heard that sigh all the way to his heart.”