Student Guide
Name Emma Erikson
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): Something boring that someone keeps rambling on about
My sentence: At the dinner table my parents droned on about a story I didn’t want to here.
2. Halted (pg.4):to stop
My sentence:I halted when the person said stop
3. Rebels (pg.6):someone that disobeys
My sentence:The rebels in my class were playing on their phones
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
aa1. (R) What kind of student is Salva? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
Salve is a good student. On page 2 the text says “Salva was a good student. He already knew the lesson. Which
was why he let his mind wander down the road ahead of him.” This shows that Salva is a good student. This is
some evidence that Salva Dutt is a good student.
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.
There are 3 types of classes but Salva Dutt belongs to one. I feel that Salve Dutt was one of the higher class
people. I think this because on page 2 it says “Salvas father was a successful man. He owned many head of
cattle and worked as there villages judge-an honored respected position. This shows that because Salvas father
was successful and had an honored position Salva Dut and his family were in the higher class. These are some
examples of why Salva and his family are higher class.
3. D escribe the setting of the story. Give specific details from the story.
The setting of Nyas story takes place in 2008 Southern Sudan and I can infer that she is going to get water
because the text says on page 1 “The big plastic container held only air”. Salvas settings takes place in Southern
Sudan 1985 while in a school and I know this because the text says “the teacher egged his way along the wall to
the window. So I know that he is in a school because it says teacher.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya is eleven years old in 2008 Southern Sudan. She has a container with nothing inside but air she has to
walk half of her morning to get water. Salve is eleven years old he talks about his siblings and what
happened in school were there are people shooting with guns and everybody is so scared because it is the
civil war in Southern Sudan and North Sudan.
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): scared or stiff
My sentence:my arm was still tense after my shot
2. Scurried (pg. 12):ran/run
My sentence: I scurried over to the jail in gym class
3. Objected (pg.12):spock what they were feeling
My sentence:I objected when the teacher said my answer was wrong when I knew it was right
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. F ind one example of a simile in this chapter. Explain what is being compared.
A example of a simile in chapter 2 is on page 8 “the jet veered away like an evil bird”.
In this simile they are comparing a jet to an evil 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 Salvas choice is going to the men side instead of the child side says things about Salva. One feeling that
Salva gives of is he is starting to be the example of a man that his father wants him to be to his little brother. In
the book the text says “His father always told him to follow the example of his older brothers and, in return, set
a good example for your little brother Koul”. This shows that he wants to be a example for his brother and act
like a man. This is one example of why Salva went to the men side and not the kid side.
3. W hat is the mood of this chapter? Cite details from the text that support this mood.
The mood is anxious. One reason the mood of this chapter is stated on page 11 the text says “A solder
approached Salva and raised his gun. Salva froze.” Another example of why the chapter is anxious is on page 12
the text says “Salva watched as one man protested saying that he did not want to go with the rebels. A soldier
hit him in the face with the butt of his gun. After that no one objected.” Having a gun pointed at you and having
a person stand up against the rebels with a gun will surely make you anxious. These are some examples of why
this chapters mood is anxious.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. In Nyas story she got a throne stuck in her heel and trying to
get it out. Salva is running from the soldiers and he find his group but can’t find his family. He is walking and
the rebels come and he has to go to the rebels camp, but goes to bed and when he wakes up everyone has
left him.
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):amo,guns
My sentence: he used the artillery for the shooting rage
2. Sympathy (pg.18):in sadness or sorrow
My sentence:she waved in sympathy when she had to move
3. Dimmer (pg.19):growing darker
My sentence:as the day got dimmer I went to bed
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?
The author included 2 different story lines to compare Salvas in 1985 and nyas in 2008.
2. (R) D escribe how Salva treats the older woman he comes across. What does this tell us about Dinka
culture?
When Salva sees the woman and treats her kind to stay in her home it shows that the Dinka culture is not just
about themselves. When Salvas choice is going to the men side instead of the child side says things about
Salva. When Salva wants to go and stay at the old woman's house she treats her nicely, it’s just like if you go
and stay at your friends you have to be nice. I know that salva treated the woman nicely because on page 18 it
says “He worked so hard so that she would not send him away”. Also on page 17 the text says “Salva stayed
again in the womans barn that night.” Both of these pieces of evidence show that if you are helpful and kind to
people like the Dinka are then you will get rewarded. These are just some pieces of evidence that the Dinka treat
there trib members like family.
3. W hy would the rebel soldiers ignore an old woman travelling alone? Why would it be more dangerous for
her to travel with Salva? Explain.
The Rebels Will ignore the old woman because they will think that she is old and frail so she will be no help to
them. But if Salva came they would think that if she can take care of Salva she can take care of there stuff.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. In Nyas story she went to the pond to get the water she
needs for her family. Salva finds and older woman for the Dinka tribe and she lets Salva stay with her, but
she has to leave him there to get away from the war. After she left him he heard voices more people from his
tribe.
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):be slow or lazy
My sentence:my sister legged whale she was running
2 . Content (pg. 22):working with what you know
My sentence: you have to be content with people you just met
3 . Sluggishly (pg. 23):lazaly
My sentence:on saturdays I am sluggish
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. Nya 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?
Nya has to walk nearly half her day in the place she live and she still does this. From what I know about
where she lives it is more desert than water so it is harder to get water there. One piece of evidence that
helps me bake this up is on page 1 the text says “bumping it against her raising a tiny cloud of dust with
each step.” Also on page 14 it says “the dirt under her feet turned to mud.” What this shows is that she
lives in an area with dirt and dust. The reason Nya walks all this way all the day and for 7 months to get
water for her family, the main source of life is water and if you don’t have any you will die. I know that
she walks for water because in the text it says “Nya will make her second trip to the pond. To the pond and
back-to the pond and back.” also the text says “mostly women and girls come to fill the containers.” What
these show is that it takes 2 times a day to just get water for there family and only water. This is where she
lives and why she does this.
2. Whose struggles do you feel is worse – Salva’s or Nya’s? Why? Explain your answer.
Whose struggles are worse-Salvas or Nyas. Salvas struggles are worse. I know that Salvas struggles are worse
because Salva is in a war and got separated from his family, but yes Nya does have to walk almost all her day
just to get water, but salvas struggles are worse
3. Explain 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 women touches the man's shoulder it is like he realizes that he is part of the Dinka tribe he is family
and they can’t leave family behind
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
In nyas story she has to bring the water back to her family and has to go back again. Salva found a new trib
to follow and as he was walking he and another person found a beehive.
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):fought
My sentence:my brother clashed with my sister over the remote.
2. Luscious (pg. 28):yummy
My sentence: my birthday cake was so luscious that I could not eat it
3. Preyed (pg. 31):hunted/eat/ate
My sentence: The wolf preyed on the mice
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 reason the Dinka and nuer tribes fight because there resources are scarce and they are
fighting to get them
2. I n 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?
Salva mets a boy from his tribe but with a different accent who must be from an area not near Salva’s village
this tells you about the spread of the war. If the boy is from the same trib but from a different part of the country
what that tells about the war is that it spreads to different parts of Sudan. One piece of evidence is on page 29
and the text says “The boy spoke Dinka but with a different accent, which meant that he was not from the area
around Salvas village.” Another piece of evidence is “your family he asked. Salva shook his head. Me too the
boy said he sighed,”. The pieces of evidence show that they come from different parts but are the same and both
have lost the families because of the war. That is what I think about the war in Sudan.
3. W hat is the meaning of the phrase “Salva heard that sigh all the way to his heart”? (29)
The reason Salva Could hear the sigh to his heart is because he could relate to it. Both Marial and Salva lost
their families trying to hid from the government. So when Marial sighed he knew it was because of family and
Salva misses them so that is why the book says “Salva heard that sigh all the way to his heart.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya talks about how during the dry season she has to go to a
camp and the lake that is there. Salva gets to have honey come and he meets a new friend named Mariel.
Also He met someone he new from his family.
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):eat
My sentence: I gobbled down my dinner, I was starving
2. Rebelled (pg. 36):acting out
My sentence:My sister rebelled for cleaning her room
3. Fortunate (pg. 37):lucky
My sentence:I got very fortunate when I found a penny on the ground, then had the best day
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. W hat is one theme you are seeing emerge in the novel so far? Explain your answer.
One theme that is emerging from the novel is war changes everything. A n example of this is given on page 35
when the text says “His face became very solemn when he told him he had not seen his family in all that time.”
This is explaining that because the war is happening he is separated from his family.
2. (R) D escribe the character of Uncle, citing evidence from the text.
One character of Uncle is leadership and integrity. Leadership is shown on page 35, it says “Uncle was seen by
the group as a kind of leader” so this shows that Uncle is a leader. Also on page 36 the text says “ uncle was true
to his word” this show that he has integrity. These were some of the characters Uncle has.
3. (R) W hat do you infer happened to Marial? What is the evidence?
I think what happened to Marial is the lions. One piece of evidence to support this is on page 31 and it
says “when an Atuot person died, he came back to Earth as a lion, with great hunger for human flesh he
once had.” also on page 38 it says “uncle stroked his head like a baby. “I’m sorry,” he said again.” What
this shows is that there are lions and his uncle is very sorry for Salva. This is what I think happened to
Marial.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya is explaining why her mom does not like the camp. Salva
reunites with his uncle but something happened to Marial.
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):everytime
My sentence:I am constantly going somewhere.
2. Splotches (pg. 41):spatter
My sentence:there was splotches of baking mix on the ground.
3. Staggered (pg. 43):Triped
My sentence:I staggered during the soccer game.
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. (R) W hat do you think has made Akeer and so many others in Nya’s tribe sick? Explain why you think that.
The reason Akeer and others are sick is because of the water. On page 27 the text says “The water that filled the
whole was filthy, more mud than liquid. Also the text said on page 26 “she keeped digging, scooping out
handfuls of clay.” what this shows is that the water is filthy and the water comes from clay. This is why I think
Akeer is sick.
2. (R) How has Marial’s disappearance changed Salva? Compare and contrast Salva before and after this
event. Marial’s disappearance changed Salva. Before Marial’s disappearance he had a friend to talk to, but after
he didn’t, all was his Uncle. So before he vanished Salva had some hope because he had a friendship, so after he
starts losing it and becoming more and more afraid of losing his uncle. This is shown on page 40 the text says
“ Never letting Uncle get more than an arms length away” also on page 40 it says “he cluge to uncle like a baby
or a little boy, hanging on his hand or shirtal.” what this show is that Salva is afraid and wants and needs his
uncle. That is how Salva was different before and after Marial disappeared.
3. What do you think the Nile River could symbolize? Explain your answer.
the Nile River Symbolizes a border.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Akeer is sick and they have to make a decision between
doctors or rest. Salva had to cross a river but they had to make canoes and paddles first.
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):boring
My sentence: car rides can be very monotonous
2. Abundance (pg. 47):a lot
My sentence:I got abundance of presents for my birthday
3. Dismounted (pg. 48): before standing up
My sentence:my mom opened the front door before I even dismounted.
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. Complete 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.
The fishermen don’t want to share the food with the refugees. They don’t want to because refugees don’t
have money. I know this because on page 47 it says “none of the travelers had any money or any thing of
value to trade.” what this shows is that if the fishermen do give them food they are giving them food for
free. That is why the fishermen do not want to share their food.
3. Predict: What do you think will happen to the group in the Akobo Desert? Why do you think that?
Some of the people in the group will get sick and dehydrated. I think this because this is a desert and they
don’t have a lot of water.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Akeer got help from the doctor but the mom is still worrying.
Salva get across the first half of the river to the island then started the second half of the river.
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):neverending
My sentence:I was so sore after my relentless soccer game.
2. Gored (pg. 52):poke
My sentence:the thorn gored my arm.
3. Precise (pg. 54):exact
My sentence: the answers for the math problems were precise.
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?
The reason the visitors came to Nya’s village is because of the water. I predict the they will do
something or inform them about the water.
2. What does water symbolize in this chapter? Explain your answer.
Water is a symbol of life. I know this because with the dirty water and with barely any in this chapter
you will ether die of get sick, but with a lot of clean water you will live.
3. ( R) W hy 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 woman gives the dying men water. She does this because even though she knows this might not work
she is going to give the men a chance to survive. What she is showing is compassion and empathy. This is
shown on page 55 when it says “when she looked up Salva could see the tears in her eyes.she shook her
head, then poured a little water on to a cloth and began to wet the lips of one of the men on the sand.” this
is showing that she has compassion and empathy. This is why I think the woman gives the dying men
water.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Two strangers come and talk about the water with the chief.
Salvas group started the walk across the desert.
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):strengthen
My sentence: I revived myself after the long a tiring soccer game.
2. Ravaged (pg. 59):eaten
my sentence:The cat ravaged on the mouse
3. Receding (pg. 61):getting shorter
My sentence:dads hair line was receding.
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?
The water is under the ground so no one knew it was there. I know this because one man was in between
the trees and the other was at the farthest tree.
2. S alva 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.
Yes I do think Salva would give the dying men water if he were older. I think this because the text says
“uncle must have guessed what he was thinking “No, Salva” he murmured.”You are too small, and not
strong enough yet. Without water you will not survive the rest of the walk.” This shows that Salva wanted
to give water but he could not because he was not old nor strong enough to survive without water. That is
why I think Salva would give the water if he was older.
3. (R) Why did the strangers rob the group and shoot Uncle? What do you think was their purpose for
doing this?
The strangers robbed the group and shot Uncle, why. The reason is because the strangers where Nuar but
Salvas group I dinka and both tribes had been at each other years. So because the Nuar had more power
they did all of that. I know this because on page 26 it says “nuar often fought with there rivels Dinka.”
Also in the book it tells you what tribe Salva is in on page 22 and that says “ He is a dinka, he said” and
on page 62 it says “Salva could tell by the ritual scarring on the faces that the men were nuar.” what this
tell you is that the Nuar and Dinka have been fighting, Salva’s group was in the Dinka tribe and the two
men were nuar. That is why the strangers robbed and shoot Uncle.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. The two men kept walking, until they stopped and said this is
where the water is. Salve Is almost done with the walk but nuar people come take some of their clothes, all
of their food, and shoot Uncle.
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):taken out by the roots
My sentence:My family uprooted the weeds.
2. Mourn (pg. 65):To respect
My sentence:I mourned my fish Anny.
3. Emaciated (pg. 68):Unhealthy or weak
My sentence:the stray cat looked emaciated.
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1 . (R) Why does Salva feel stronger, bolder, and able to go on after his Uncle’s death?
Salva feels stronger, bolder, and able to go on after his Uncle's death. The reason Salva is able to go on is
because of his Uncle, he helped him so now he can do it by himself.I know this because it says in the text
“it was almost as if they had left their strength with him,” also the text says “despite the numbness in his
heart, Salva was amazed to find himself walking more faster and bolyer then he had before.” What this
shows is that because the strength that he feels helps him feel stronger and bolder. This is why Salva feels
stronger, and bolder to go on after his Uncle's death.
2. C ompare and contrast Salva’s reaction to Marial’s death to his reaction to his Uncle’s death.
Marial was not mourned like Uncle was.
3. (R) H ow does Salva’s interactions with the group change after Uncle’s death? Why?
Salva’s interactions with the group change. After Uncle's death Salva had no one to talk to so he did not
he started to be the little child like he was in the beginning of the book. I know this because the text says
“once again they grumbled that he was to young and small, that he might slow them down like he did in
the desert” what this shows is that after Uncle’s death everybody’s attitude changed. This is why and how
Salva’s interactions changed with the group.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. The people start clearing in between the two trees but Nya is
doubtful. SAlva made it to the camp and thinks he found his mother.
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):moved
My sentence:the dropped ipad skittered across the floor.
2. Torrents (pg. 74):bunches
My sentence:in my camps we stay in torrents
3. Merciless (pg. 75):horrible
My sentence:the day was merciless
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. H ow does Salva change and grow as a character this chapter? What causes this change to happen?
S alva changes into a man in this chapter. The reason he changed into a man is because all the things that
happened when he was a child.
2. (R) What is the mood at the end of the chapter? Cite words and phrases from the text that support this
mood.
The mood in this chapter is despair. I know it is despair because the text says “He felt that he was
standing on the edge of a hole-a hole filled with black despair.” This shows that it says despair but there
are many reasons why I felt this. One is he lost his family, friends, and home. There is a war going on and
he is headed toward it to. So this is why the mood of the chapter is despair.
3. W hat do you predict will happen at the Gilo River? Explain.
I think that a lot of people are going to die or get hurt but not a lot get to the other side. I think this
because the text says “Swollen by the rain the Gilo River would be merciless.” also it says “The Gilo
River was well known for something else, too. Crocodiles.”this is why I think a lot of people are going to
die.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. The men were working on the water. Salva knew that was not
his mother so he went on. The camp is shutting down and the new government is running all the people who
are there out.
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):hitting
My sentence:we played outside prodding each other with sticks.
2. Plagued (pg. 80):filled
My sentence:the movie made my plagued with tears.
3. Scavenge (pg. 81):looked
My sentence:I scavenged for the movie.
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.
Water symbolizes many things in this book. It symbolizes death and persistence. The reason I think this is
because is on page 79 the text says “he would learn that at least 1,000 died trying to get across the river
that day,” and it shows persistence on page 76 it says “the drilling crew was discouraged by the leaks.
They wanted to stop. But there boss kept them going.” what this shows is that many people died because
of the water and people wanted to stop but kept working for the water. That is what water symbolizes to
Nya and to Salva.
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. Salva faced many dangers in this book. I consider that the most
dangerous on was when he had to cross the river. I know this because it says “the bullets, the crocodile's,
the welter of arms and legs,the screams, the blood,....he had to get across somehow.” what this shows is
that there where so many things going on that was bad it is hard to survive. That is why when Salva
crossed the river it was the most dangerous.
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.
Salva’s character in the second half of this chapter is leadership and confident. I know this because in the
book it says”salva had become the leader of about fifteen hundred boys.” and I know he has confident
because it says “he felt his determine growing.” What this shows is that salva became a leader and his
determine is growing. This shows that Salva character in the second half has leadership and is confident.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. The workers were working. Salva got across the dangerous
river. Salva and 15,000 boys started walking to Kanya.
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):wandered/slowly walked
My sentence:the stick drifted down the river.
2. Isolated (pg. 84):closed in
My sentence:if your sick your isolated.
3. Misery (pg. 84):pain/sad
My sentence:the movie was a misery to watch because it was so sad.
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. H ow do you think the visitors will fix the brown, muddy water at Nya’s village? Explain your prediction.
I predict that they with put in a clean water system that will make the water clean.
2. O n 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. Yes Salva does feel hopeful. I know that he feels hopefully because
it says “he tried not to lose hope.” also it says “Salva was going to New York. He was going to America!”
what this shows is that he still at least has a little bit of hope but the exclamation mark at the end of the
sentence shows that he is excited he has hope. That is why Salva has hope.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. The water came out of the borehole but it was full of mud.
Salva made it to a camp but left for a different camp and they were sending people to America and salva
saw his name on the list it said he was going to Rodwin Chester New York.
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):not to understand
My sentence:I hoped that I would not misunderstand what she was telling me because she was talking really
fast.
2. Lumbered (pg. 92):moved
My sentence:I lumbered down stairs for a drink of water.
3. Abruptly (pg. 94):ruffly
My sentence:The elevator was going abrupt up the floors
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. One simile is on page 95 and
it says “the fridge air hit salvas face like a slap” another example of a simile is on page 93 it says “cars crawled
on the road like ants in a line” these are two similes in chapter 15.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.Nya’s brother dep told her there plane to fix the dirty water.
Salva made it to New York and is now with his family.
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):small idea
My sentence: I had a vague idea of what the new homes look like.
2. Notion (pg. 100):idea/thought
My sentence: I a notion what the answer.
3. Remote (pg. 100):away from people
My sentence:I went to a remote island.
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) W hy is it so difficult for Salva to return to Africa to see his father? Explain, citing evidence from the text
It is difficult for Salva to return back to Africa and see his father. It is hard because he is scared he has missed
his father and will never see him again. I know this because it says in the text “what if my father leaves the
hospital without telling anyone where he’s going? What if I get there to late? I will never be able to find
him again.” What this shows is that Salva is scared he will be to late, will never find his dad, and spent all
that time trying to get there. That is why it is hard for Salva to return to Africa and see his dad.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.The men started working on something Nya does not know
about. Salva goes back to Africa and tries to find his dad.
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):work/move
My sentence:
2. Haze (pg. 106):sadtime
My sentence:
3. Trembling (pg. 109):shaking
My sentence:
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. Salva has shown character traits in this chapter. One character trait he has is hard
working. I know this because it says “day by day, solving one problem at a time, Salva started moving
toward his goal.” it also says “it was much more work than he had imagined.”what this shows is that there
is a lot of work to get done and Salva it taking it one problem at a time. This is why Salva show hard
working in this chapter.
2. What do you predict Salva’s project for South Sudan will be?
I predict Salvas project will be to build wells so the people in South Sudan do not have to walk all that
way for hot dirty water.
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. Salva is feeling scared when he is talking to the people. I know he is
feeling shared because it says “his hands trembling.” also the text says “Salva’s knees were shaking as he
walked to the mike.” What this shows is that he was scared so his hands and knees started to shake
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya gets told that they are going to build a school. Salva mets
his dad and starts his project for Southern sudan.
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):fights
My sentence:my sister and I dispute.
2. Maintaining (pg. 113):keeping it moving
My sentence: the fence was maintaining the horse.
3. Assumed (pg. 114):guessed
My sentence:I assumed what was for dinner
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. The volunteers changed lives by making the well. Now
they don’t have to walk all the way for dirty hot water like it says in the text “The water was not warm
or muddy like the water from the pond. It was cool and delishuise.” It also changed lives by creating
schools, markets, and clinics I know this because it said in the text “in a few days the school would be
finished,in a year the market would be finished, and there was some talk of a clinic someday” what this
shows is that just because one well can make a big difference. That is how the volunteers creating just
one well can transform the lives of the villagers.
2. How 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?Nya mets Salva when she said thank you to him. I think the
author did this to represent a real girl who did this when Salva built the well.
3. W as your prediction about Salva’s project from last chapter correct or incorrect?
correct
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya thanks the “boss” and he said my name is Salva.
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):working through
My sentence:the perseverance and hard work helped me accomplish my goal.
2. Depicted (pg. 118):worked around
My sentence:in the movie it was depicted around the main character.
3. Languished (pg. 119):suffer
My sentence:if you languish you suffer.
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. Are you satisfied with how the book ended? Why or why not? If not, how would you have ended it
differently? Yes i am. I think this because it left of on a good note and it didn’t need more.
2. Do you think there will ever be peace in Sudan? Why or why not? Explain. No because if the north
and south do stop fighting there will still be fighting because of rivalry tribes.
3. (R) W hat do you feel the theme/message of the book is? Explain your answer thoroughly.
I feel the theme/message of this book is “always persevere even in bad times.” I think this because in the
book it says “quitting leads to much less happiness in life than perseverance and hope.” I also say this
because Salva and Nya did not give up if Salva had given up hope he would have died and if Nya not kept
getting the water for her family they all would have died. That is why I think the message of this book is
“always persevere even in bad times.”
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. The Author is talking about the book and the real Sudan war.