Agochiya,Diya- of Long Walk to Water Student Guide

Student Guide

Name ​Diya Agochiya _______________________________

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 1

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.

1. Droned (pg.2) Drone means talking on and on about something.

My sentence: Our Troop Leader droned on for a long time about camping safety tips.

2. Halted (pg.4) Halted means to stop suddenly.

My sentence: While we were driving to New Jersey, my dad halted the car because a deer came in front of us
suddenly.

3. Rebels (pg.6) People who rise against a ruler or government.

My sentence: The rebels were armed and dangerous and killed most of the men in Iraq.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ (R) ​What kind of student is Salva? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Salva was a smart student because according to the text he knew the lesson before it was taught in school. On
page 2 of the book it says that he was learning Arabic, the language used in North Sudan. He also spoke the
language of his Dinka Tribe. I believe that Salva was very intelligent. These are a few reason to support
Salva’s brilliance.

2.​ (R) W​ hat social class do you infer Salva’s family belongs to? Are they rich or poor? Support your answer
with evidence from the text.

Salva’s family belongs to a high social class because the author said that his father was a very successful man.
He was the village’s judge. On page 2 it says he owned many cattles and was well respected in the village. This
shows that Salva’s family was not poor. These are a few reasons that I believe that Salva’s family was wel

3.​  ​Describe the setting of the story. Give specific details from the story.

The story is based in a village in South Sudan. There was a Civil War between North and South Sudan. The
government wanted Sudan to become a Muslim country and the rebels were fighting against them. The location

of the story seems to be very hot. The activities in village was mostly around cattle herding, playing in the
woods and hunting. People had to walk distances to get to places. Due to the war, there was confusion and
disturbance. People were not safe and they were getting separated from their family and home.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
The war against North Sudan had reached Salva’s village. Everybody was running away from their homes
into the bushes to protect themselves. The lives of the villagers were disturbed with the firing by the rebels
and people had to run away without their families.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 2

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your own
that uses the word.
1. Tense (pg. 9) Tense means you have a lot of pressure on yourself.

​My sentence: It felt very tense in the room because there was only a minute left for the test.

2. Scurried (pg. 12) Scurried means to walk or run very fast.
My sentence: We scurried all over the gym floor for the game.

3. Objected (pg.12) Objected means to disobey someone’s rules.
My sentence: I objected to the argument my friend was making.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  ​Find one example of a simile in this chapter. Explain what is being compared.
An example of a simile can be found on page 8. The simile in the chapter is “Overhead, a jet plane veered away
like a sleek evil bird.” The plane dropping the bomb is related to a smooth wicked bird.
2.​  (R) ​When given the choice between the line of men and the line of children, Salva chooses the men’s line
even though he is only eleven years old. What does this say about Salva?
When given the choice between the line of men and the line of children, Salva chose to be in the men’s line.
Despite being eleven years old, according to the text, he was the son of an important family. On page 11 it says”
His father always told him to act like a man- to follow the example of his older brother and, in turn, set a good
example for Kuol.” This shows that Salva was a brave boy. These are a few facts that proves Salva wanted to be
on the men’s side instead of the women’s and children side.

3.​  ​What is the mood of this chapter? Cite details from the text that support this mood.
The mood of this chapter is of panic and fear. According to the book on page 8 and 9 it says “ In the smoke and
dust, he couldn’t see the school building anymore. He tripped and almost fell. No more looking back; it slowed
him down. Salva lowered his head and ran.”

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva runs away with the crowd and finds people from his own village. The next day they meet a group of
rebel soldiers who divide the group into 2 groups; men in one, and women, children, and elderly in the other.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 3

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.

1. Artillery (pg. 18) Artillery means a bunch of weapons.
My sentence: There was lots of artillery used in the war.

2. Sympathy (pg.18) Sympathy means feeling sorry for someone or something.
My sentence: I had lots of sympathy for the sick dog.

3. Dimmer (pg.19) Dimmer means faint light

My sentence: The light was becoming dimmer as I ran towards the basketball net.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ W​ hy do you think the author chose to include two different storylines (Nya’s and Salva’s) in one
book? What is the purpose for this?
I think the author included two different stories so you could understand what happened now and what
happened a long time ago. Nya’s story tells people how she would walk for a long time to get water for
her family at that time. The purpose of this is to compare two different settings in Sudan.

2.​  (R) ​Describe how Salva treats the older woman he comes across. What does this tell us about Dinka
culture?
Salva treats the older woman very respectfully. The book says “ He worked hard so she would not send him
away. For three days, he fetched firewood from the bush and water from the pond.” Salva wanted to stay with
the women so he would be safe and not get hurt. This shows that Salva wanted to be safe with the old lady so
she would protect Salva. These are a few facts how Salva respected the old lady. This tells you that the people
of the Dinka tribe were polite and courteous.

3. ​ ​Why would the rebel soldiers ignore an old woman travelling alone? Why would it be more dangerous for
her to travel with Salva? Explain.
I think the soldiers would ignore the old woman because she is old and weak and they will leave her alone. If
Salva came with her the soldiers would not ignore and ask question where she found Salva and why he is with
her.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.

When Salva wakes up he sees that his group left him. He saw an old woman sitting on a rock and he saw
that she had the Dinka tribe patterns on her face. He stayed with her so he had food and water with him so
he would not starve to death. The Dinka woman had to leave to find a different village that has water
because winter was coming. Salva find a new group of people to walk with.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 4

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Lag (pg. 22) Lag means to fall behind a group or line.
My sentence: When we were playing basketball at school I got lagged behind.

2. Content (pg. 22) Content means satisfied
My sentence: I was very content with my passion project.
3. Sluggishly (pg. 23) Sluggishly means slow.
My sentence: I was walking so sluggishly that someone had to pull me up.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ N​ ya has to walk nearly half a day to find water. What can you infer about the place she lives? Why do
you think she does this?
I think Nya walks for long distances to get water because there are no ponds or wells near her village. She
has to walk 2 times a day to get water for everyone in her family which means her village is dry. She does
this so her family gets water to drink.

2. ​ ​Whose struggles do you feel is worse – Salva’s or Nya’s? Why? Explain your answer.
I think Salva’s struggle is more than Nya’s because he gets separated from his family and does not know if he
will he see them again. Nya lives with her family.

3. ​ E​ xplain what happened when the woman in the group reaches out and touches the man’s arm, and he
changes his mind about letting Salva go with them. Why does he change his mind? What does this tell us about
the tribe’s culture?
When the woman in the group reaches out and touches the man’s arm, he nodded and told the group that Salva
will come with them.
I think he changed his mind because he did not want Salva to suffer by himself so he let him come with them.
This tells us that the people of the Dinka tribe were kind people.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
This chapter is about how Salva gets in a new group so they can help him go to somewhere safe and not
dangerous.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 5

PART 1: VOCABULARY

Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Clashed (pg. 26) Clashed means to get in a argument with someone else.
My sentence: The protesters clashed with the police officers

2. Luscious (pg. 28) Luscious means having a nice sweet taste.
My sentence: The taste of the ice cream was sweet and luscious.

3. Preyed (pg. 31) Preyed means to kill.
My sentence: The ferocious lion preyed on the zebra in the jungle.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  W​ hy do you think the Dinka and Nuer have such a long history of fighting when they face
such similar challenges?
The Dinka and the Nuer tribe have to face walking long distances to get water from the common
place to get water. They also have to face through war and famine.

2. ​ ​In this chapter, Salva meets a boy from his tribe but with a different accent who must be from an area not
near Salva’s village. What does this tell you about the spread of the war?
When Salva met the boy from his group he knew he was in the same tribe a Salva but with a different accent.
This shows that the kid was from another village so this means that the spread of war is misplacing lots of
people from there families.

3.​  W​ hat is the meaning of the phrase “Salva heard that sigh all the way to his heart”? (29)
When the boy asked Salva where his family was, Salva shook his head. The boy said that he was also separated
from his family and the boy sighed. The phrase “Salva heard that sigh all the way to his heart” means he felt the
same way the boy was feeling.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva’s group found a beehive and got honey and got stung too. Then Salva met a Dinka boy, Mariel and
they become friends and from the group he hears someone calling him and it was not Mariel which shocked
in happiness.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 6

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Gobble (pg. 36) Gobble means to hurry.
My sentence: I gobbled up my food so I would not miss the show.
2. Rebelled (pg. 36) Rebelled means to stand up for the government.
My sentence: The Jews rebelled Hitler.
3. Fortunate (pg. 37) Fortunate means lucky.
My sentence: I was fortunate to get the part.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. ​ W​ hat is one theme you are seeing emerge in the novel so far? Explain your answer.
I see bravery because the people in Sudan are getting separated from their families. They do not what will
happen to them but they know there families would want them to be brave.
2.​  (R) ​Describe the character of Uncle, citing evidence from the text.

The character of Uncle is, serious and brave. I think Uncle is brave because in the text it says “Uncle!” he
cried out, and ran into the the man’s arms.” I also think Uncle is serious because in the text it says
“Sometimes Uncle would walk with the other men and talk seriously about the journey.” This shows that
Uncle was a serious and brave man. These are a few facts how Uncle is brave and serious.

3. ​ (R) ​What do you infer happened to Marial? What is the evidence?
I think Mariel was missing because, when he was sleeping a lion probably took Mariel and eaten him. “ I
am sorry Salva,” Uncle said quietly. “Your friend…” Marial? Salva looked around.” This shows that
Mariel was missing. “ As he opened his eyes, he heard wailing. Someone was crying. Salva blinked away
the sleepiness and looked at Uncle, whose face was very solemn. This shows that the place that they are
staying is very dangerous. This is evidence that Mariel was gone.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva finds his Uncle and they get a nice meal. Mariel goes missing. He is very happy to see his uncle. Salva
has not seen his Uncle in 2 years and now he is safe and sound with his uncle.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 7

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Constantly (pg. 40) Constantly means to do something over and over again.
My sentence: I constantly tapped my mom until she said yes.

2. Splotches (pg. 41) Splotches means white spots on the skin.

My sentence: After I was tanning I had splotches all over my body.

3. Staggered (pg. 43) Staggered means to move unbalanced.

My sentence: When I woke up I staggered all the way to the bathroom.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  (R) ​What do you think has made Akeer and so many others in Nya’s tribe sick? Explain why you think that.
I think what made everybody sick in Nya’s tribe is, the dirty water that they are drinking. In the text it says “
Akeer was whining that she did not fell” this is evidence that the dirty water is causing sickness. This is why we
need to be grateful for what you have do not be ungrateful.
2. ​ (R) H​ ow has Marial’s disappearance changed Salva? Compare and contrast Salva before and after this
event.
Marial’s disappearances changed Salva because before he was so happy and after he was not so happy. I have
evidence because in the story it says that a cold fist pulled out Salva’s heart so now he is sad that Mariel left
him. This shows that some people are lucky and some people are not so lucky.
3. What do you think the Nile River could symbolize? Explain your answer.
I think the Nile River stands for safety because there is people to help some others during the war. It is the

symbol of safety.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Akeer is sick because of the dirty water and lots of other people are also sick in Nya’s tribe.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 8

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Monotonous (pg. 46) Monotonous means dull or bored.
My sentence: I was so monotonous during the play I fell asleep.

2. Abundance (pg. 47) Abundance means to have a large quantity of something.
My sentence: I took an abundance amount of the mash potatoes at dinner.

3. Dismounted (pg. 48) Dismount means something without support.
My sentence: The picture dismounted off the wall because it did not have any support.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1.​  C​ omplete the cause and effect graphic organizer below (double click on the boxes to open up the drawing
so you can type in the boxes). Write one cause of Nya and Akeer drinking dirty water, and one effect.

2.​  (R) W​ hy do you think the fisherman not share their food with the refugees? Explain your answer.

I​ do not think the fisherman want to share their food because the refugees are rude and selfish. I have evidence
because in the story it says that the refugees beg and force the fisherman but they would not give any food. This
shows that is you want something you will have to earn it.

3. Predict: What do you think will happen to the group in the Akobo Desert? Why do you think that?
I think danger is ahead of them in the Akobo desert. There is probably a lot of dangerous animals.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
They meet the refugees again and they try to steal the fishermans food. The men in the tribe are dying
because they are without food or water.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 9

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Relentless (pg. 52) Relentless means to be harsh or inflexible.
My sentence: I was relentless when I was doing gymnastics because I fell and sprained my ankle.

2. Gored (pg. 52) Gored means to stab someone with a bull horn.
My sentence: I gored the bull with it’s horn.

3. Precise (pg. 54) Precise means to make something or someone perfect.

My sentence: I was so precise with the thread pattern it looked like an adult did it.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1.​  ​For what purpose do you think the visitors came to Nya’s village? What do you predict will
happen with the visitors?
I think the men were drilling a hole for clean water to drink so they could not get sick. They were
going to help Nya’s tribe not hurt it.
2. ​ W​ hat does water symbolize in this chapter? Explain your answer.
Water symbolizes safety for everyone because on the other side of the water there will be safety for Salva. The
water will help them get some energy back from the walking they must really tired.
3. ​(R) ​Why does the woman give the dying men water, even when she knows it will not help and that it
will hurt her own chances of survival? What does this say about her character?
The women gives the dying men water because she thinks it will make them live not die. In the text it says
“The man choked and got up.”This shows that

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 10

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.

1. Revived (pg. 58) Revive means to come back to life.

My sentence: In the book it said that Harry Potter revived back into the world.

2. Ravaged (pg. 59) Ravaged means to be defeated.

My sentence: When I went back to my ravaged hometown I was amazed how they redid the houses.

3. Receding (pg. 61) Receding means to move away from the previous spot that you were at.

My sentence: I receded away from my house to my school.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1.​  ​How do you think the visitors will find water in the spot between the trees when Nya has never seen
any water there before?
I think they will find the nile river when they find two very tall trees that will represent the water.

2. ​ ​Salva wonders to himself if he would have given water to the dying men if he were older. Based on
what you know about his character, what do you think he would have done? Explain your answer.
I think he is very kind and sweet because he wanted to help others and risk his on life for them.
3​ . ​(R) W​ hy did the strangers rob the group and shoot Uncle? What do you think was their purpose for
doing this?
I think the strangers rob the group was because they wanted them to suffer and take all of their food. I
think they shot Uncle because he had a gun with him so they were scared and shot him. I have evidence
because the text said that they were frightened and shot Uncle for no reason. Salva was devastated when
Uncle died. This shows that some people have to deal with really sad moments sometimes.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
In this chapter Uncle died and some strangers took all of their food and water. Nya’s family meets some
other people to help them get cleaner water.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 11

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Uprooted (pg. 64) Uprooted means to pull something from the ground.

My sentence: I uprooted the weeds from the ground.

2. Mourn (pg. 65) Mourn means to feel deep sorrow in someone or something.
My sentence: I was mourn when my Grandpa died.

3. Emaciated (pg. 68) Emaciated means to be thin or weak.
My sentence: I was emaciated after the big race.

​PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ (R) W​ hy does Salva feel stronger, bolder, and able to go on after his uncle’s death?

I think Salva feels stronger because when Uncle died he was mad so he wanted them to pay for what they
did and kill or hurt them. I have evidence because the book says “ If you give them your water, you will
not have enough for yourself”! The same voice shouted. “ It is useless- they will die, and you will die
with them.” This shows evidence that everyone was sad when the only man with the gun died.

2.​  ​Compare and contrast Salva’s reaction to Mary's death to his reaction to his uncle’s death.
I think Salva was more sad when Uncle died because Uncle was his full approved guardian. I think he
was also sad when Mary died but she was not his guardian Uncle was.

3.​  (R) ​How does Salva’s interactions with the group change after Uncle’s death? Why?
I think Salva’s interactions change the group because Uncle was from the army and had weapons to fight
against any trespasser enter their group. In the text it says “ As Salva watched the five men were
completely motionless.” This shows evidence that everyone was falling apart they were devastated about
the death of the men and women.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Mary died and Salva was feeling mad and stronger when Uncle died because he did not want anyone to
mess with him or his family.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 12

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Skittered (pg. 73) Skittered means to run quickly and hurrily.

My sentence: Skittered from the robbers at the bank.

2. Torrents (pg. 74) Torrents means fast running water.

My sentence: I heard the torrent water in the bathroom.

3. Merciless (pg. 75) Merciless means showing no pity or shame.

My sentence: The cat was merciless when he ate the rat.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. ​ ​How does Salva change and grow as a character this chapter? What causes this change to happen?
He grows more mature because he wants to fight for his country.

2. ​ (R) ​What is the mood at the end of the chapter? Cite words and phrases from the text that support this
Mood.
I think the mood at the end of the chapter is bravery because they found water and food. I know it is
bravery because almost all of the men died and the women were very weak and Salva was the oldest boy
so he had to get them food and water for all of the other boys to survive. This shows that they went
through a lot of difficulty to find food and water this is an example of bravery.

3. ​ ​What do you predict will happen at the Gilo River? Explain.
I think at the Gilo river they will get water and probably find some food because around a river there is
always life there so they will have something to munch on.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
In the chapter Salva found a river called the Gilo river. They are suffering without any food or water.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 13

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Prodding (pg. 77) Prodding means to walk in a weird way.
My sentence: I prodded all the way to the bathroom.

2. Plagued (pg. 80) Plagued is a disease.
My sentence: I read a article about plaque.

3. Scavenge (pg. 81) Scavenge means to find.
My sentence: I look all over my house for my book.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  (R) W​ hat does water symbolize to Nya in this chapter? What does water symbolize to Salva?
Compare and contrast the differences in the symbolic meaning of water throughout the chapter.
I think water symbolizes for Nya is clean water and for Salva danger. I think this because later in the
chapter it says that Salva finds a lake invested with crocs all over.
2.​  (R) S​ alva faced many dangers in this chapter. Of them all, which do you consider to be the most
dangerous? Explain your answer.
I think Salva faced many dangers because he had to face a lake with corc and people dying.
3. ​ (R) D​ escribe Salva’s character in the second half of this chapter. What character trait would you use to
describe him now? Explain your answer.
I think he is brave because he almost died but did not die.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Some people come a drill a hole of water for Nya. Salva sees a lake invested with crocs.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 14

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Drifted (pg. 83) Being carried slowly in water.
My sentence: ​ I was drifting away in the water from my parents.
2. Isolated (pg. 84) abandoned
My sentence: ​ When I was going to my dance class I saw an isolated home.
3. Misery (pg. 84) Saddeness
My sentence: I had misery when my grandpa died.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1.​  ​How do you think the visitors will fix the brown, muddy water at Nya’s village? Explain your prediction.
They will put in a machine and the water will be processed in there and it will become clean.
2.​  ​On a seperate piece of paper, draw a sketch/picture of the Kakuma refugee camp. Make sure it
accurately illustrates the setting. Take a picture of your sketch and insert it here.

3. ​ (R) ​Does Salva feel hopeful in this chapter? Why or why not? Compare Salva’s hope in this chapter to
his hope on the journey to the camps.
I think Salva feels hopeful because he gets to go to America and live in New York. Salva is very lucky to
even get a home in New york.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva gets a home in New New York he is very lucky.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 15

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Misunderstand (pg. 91) Misunderstand means to not understand a question.
My sentence: ​ I misunderstood the question to the answer.
2. Lumbered (pg. 92) Lumber means to get lumber.
My sentence: ​ I saw the lumber cut the wood.
3. Abruptly (pg. 94) Abruptly means to stop quickly.
My sentence: I stop abruptly to let the old lady come.
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. In the cause and effect map below, think of three effects that will occur when Nya’s village finally gets
water. *Double click on the map to access the boxes to type into in the drawing.

2. Find two examples of similes in this chapter. Explain what is being compared.
The simile in the chapter is “ Somehow it did-not like a bird lifting of lightly with a quick flapping of wings.
Another simile is “The sleeves were so bulky that he felt as if he couldn't move.”

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva was on his way to New York City. Salva was really nervous if his new family would like him or not so
he just had to wait and see.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 16

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Vague (pg. 99) Vague means uncertain of something.
My sentence: ​ I was vague about taking the money.

2. Notion (pg. 100) Notion means following a belief.
My sentence: My notion is hindu.
3. Remote (pg. 100) Remote means situated from different areas.
My sentence: I remoted from Ohio to Florida.
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. ​ ​In the Venn Diagram below, compare and contrast Sudan and America. *Double click on the diagram to
edit the Google Drawing.

2. (​ R) ​Why is it so difficult for Salva to return to Africa to see his father? Explain, citing evidence from the text.
I think it is difficult for Salva to go see his father is because he feels bad for the people who have suffered more

than him and he lives in a nice place so he wants to do something about so Salva starts the Water for Sudan
so he wants other people to have a good life.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva meets his father and gets to know him a bit better because he was gone for more than 3 years.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 17

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.

1. Scything (pg. 103) Scything means to move through rapidly.

My sentence: I was scything through the store before I went to basketball practice.

2. Haze (pg. 106) Haze means to not see very clearly.
My sentence: Without glasses I could just see haze.

3. Trembling (pg. 109) Trembling means to shake nervously.

My sentence: I trembled in fear when I had to go to by myself.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  (R) C​ hoose one character trait to describe Salva in this chapter. Cite two pieces of evidence to
support your answer.

I think Salva in this chapter is determined because he wants to find and meet his father even if it takes a
really long time he wants to meet his father. I have evidence in the text it said “ What if he already left
without telling the people there what if he is already gone.” This is my evidence. This shows that Salva
really wanted to meet his father.
2. ​ W​ hat do you predict Salva’s project for South Sudan will be?
I think he will make a program to have cleaner water for Sudan and make a big business.

3. ​ (R) H​ ow do you infer Salva feels about speaking in front of an audience? Cite two pieces of evidence
from the text that supports this.
I think Salva feels nervous and scared because he thinks that he is going to mess up.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva meets his father in Sudan. People are going to make a school.

STUDENT GUIDE – CHAPTER 18

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Disputes (pg. 113) Disputes means to debate.
My sentence: My parents disputed in the debate.
2. Maintaining (pg. 113) Means to keep distance.
My sentence: ​ I was maintaining the measles.
3. Assumed (pg. 114) Assumed means to think of something even if it is not true.
My sentence: ​ I assumed that I was going to get a bad score but I did not get a bad score.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1.​  (R) ​How have the volunteers creating one well transformed the lives of the villagers? Give at least
three different positive effects of the new well.
They made a good program for clean water in sudan. Salva helps a lot of people who are getting sick
with the dirty water. I have evidence because in the text it said that he did not know if his father
recognize him.

2. ​ H​ ow do Salva’s story and Nya’s story intersect and come together in this chapter? Why do you think
the author chose to tell the story this way?
I think Salva and Nya stories intersect is because at the end of the story Nya meets Salva when she was
saying thanks to for the water.

3. ​ W​ as your prediction about Salva’s project from last chapter correct or incorrect?
Yes because it said that he was going to make a project on how to help others and make people to not get
sick.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva and Nya get to meet each other and Nya get clean water.

STUDENT GUIDE – MESSAGE & AUTHOR’S NOTE

PART 1: VOCABULARY
Infer the meaning of each vocabulary word using context clues in the story. Then write a sentence of your
own that uses the word.
1. Perseverance (pg. 117)​ It means you have a liking for some things.
My sentence: ​ I have a perseverance of broccoli but not brussel sprouts.
2. Depicted (pg. 118) It means to draw or represent something.
My sentence: I depicted my drawing to my whole family.
3. Languished (pg. 119) ​ It means to grow weak.
My sentence: My legs were languished by the end of the game.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  A​ re you satisfied with how the book ended? Why or why not? If not, how would you have ended it
differently?

I was really satisfied because I was not expecting for Salva and Nya to meet so both of the people have really
good endings.

2.​  D​ o you think there will ever be peace in Sudan? Why or why not? Explain.

I think there will be peace in Sudan sometime because war does not stay forever.

3. ​ (R) ​What do you feel the theme/message of the book is? Explain your answer thoroughly.
I think the theme and message for the book is difficult,hard, and helpful. I think the theme is

difficult and hard because Nya had to suffer with really bad diseases and Salva had to go through family
separation. I think the other theme is helpful because Salva gets adopted and moves to Rochesters, New
York with a new family and Salva went back to Sudan to see his Dad because he was not well so Salva
went to help others so that is how Nya got crystal clean water.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
The author and Salva worked together on the book. Salva and Nya get water.