Martin, Chris Long Walk to Water

Student Guide

Name Chris

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 people aren’t interested in and they just say it.
My sentence: My mom droned on her work at dinner.

2. Halted (pg.4): To stop instantly.

My sentence: I halted when I heard a bottle break.

3. Rebels (pg.6): People that fight for what they want.

My sentence: My brother is a rebel for cheering on the Warriors in basketball when my family likes the
Cavaliers.
PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. ​ (R) W​ hat kind of student is Salva? Support your answer with evidence from the text. Salva is a ok student
because he has his back straight, hands in his lap, and his head but his mind and eyes weren’t focused.

2.​ (R) ​What social class do you infer Salva’s family belongs to? Are they rich or poor? Support your answer
with evidence from the text. They are in the middle because they have lots of cows but they do not have a big,
nice house like rich people.

3.​  D​ escribe the setting of the story. Give specific details from the story. The setting of the story takes place in
a school. It says that the teacher got all the boys’ attention and you wouldn’t have a teacher at your house.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. This chapter is about Salva at school when the rebels start
to attack their village.

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) ​ T​ o be tight or rigid.

M​ y sentence: My brother was standing tense while he was waiting to go home.

2. Scurried (pg. 12) To move quickly with small steps.
My sentence: My brother scurried when he got yelled at for taking candy.

3. Objected (pg.12) It means to say no
My sentence: My brother objected when the guard said he can't bring his cup in.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS
1. ​ ​Find one example of a simile in this chapter. Explain what is being compared.

It compares a jet with a sleek evil bird.

2. ​ (R) W​ hen 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? This says Salva thinks he is ready
for the older group and his dad told him to act like man.

3. ​ W​ hat is the mood of this chapter? Cite details from the text that support this mood.
The mood of this chapter is sadness because Salva can’t find any of his family members and is lost.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. It is about Salva in the bush and what he is going through
their.

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) L​arge-caliber guns
My sentence: I stared at the big artillery.

2. Sympathy (pg.18) F​ eeling sorrow
My sentence: My brother felt sympathy for the cat.

3. Dimmer (pg.19) A certain brightness
My sentence: It got dimmer as the day went on.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  ​Why 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? One is saying how a girl is living her life with no good water unlike
us were we have good water. The other one is telling us how a 11 year old boy is trying to survive a war.
2.​  (R) ​Describe how Salva treats the older woman he comes across. What does this tell us about Dinka
culture?
Salva treats the old woman with respect and kindness. This tells me that the Dinka cult
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. It would be more dangerous because they might take Salva if he is with an
old woman and make him help in the war.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya is taking her water back to her house. Salva is with an woman and then has to go with other Dinkas
because the old woman can’t take him with her for it would be dangerous.

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) F​ all behind in movement​.
My sentence: I will lag when I see something cool.

2. Content (pg. 22) ​I​n a state of peaceful happiness.

My sentence: I felt content in my house.

3. Sluggishly (pg. 23) Move very slow.
My sentence: I moved sluggishly to the car.

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? I think she lives far away in the desert and it’s super long and that's why it takes
her so long to get home.
2. ​ ​Whose struggles do you feel is worse – Salva’s or Nya’s? Why? Explain your answer.
I​ think Salva because he had lost his family and is walking with random people from his tribe but he seems very
lonely.
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? The man changed his mind when the woman touched him because he is Dinka and so is
Salva so she is telling him that he is one of us and we don’t leave one person behind. This tells me that their one
big family and treat any Dinka the same.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya has to take her sister to get water after she got back and
only had time to eat a little. Salva followed a kid from another tribe and he found honey and the boy wanted
Salva to get the others so they could all eat.

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) To meet and come into violent conflict.

My sentence: I clashed into my brother because I ran.

2. Luscious (pg. 28) Having a sweat taste.

My sentence: I was luscious after looking at the donuts.

3. Preyed (pg. 31) Hunt or kill.

My sentence: I preyed for the chicken I wanted to eat.

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? They have people that say the other tribe is bad. Also, people
probably start mini wars with other people from the other tribe which leads to massive fights.
Last, the people get mad because a family member died because of the war that the people start
other ones with that one tribe.

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? The war is really bad because it is
effecting a lot of people. Also, it is getting people far away from where Salva lives. Last, people are very scared
because they keep making the war bigger.

3.​  ​What is the meaning of the phrase “Salva heard that sigh all the way to his heart”? (29) This means that
Salva is feeling this way. The person that did that must be going through what Salva is going. Also, Salva feels
this same exact way as the person.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya talks about the war with the other tribe. Salva talks
about trying to find a family member and eating the honey and more people joining the group. Nya also says
how she gets her water in dry season. Salva finds a new friend to keep him company.

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) To eat fast.

My sentence: I was ready to gobble my food.

2. Rebelled (pg. 36) To reject.
My sentence: I rebelled to eat my sandwich.

3. Fortunate (pg. 37) To be lucky.
My sentence: I was fortunate to get a phone.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  W​ hat is one theme you are seeing emerge in the novel so far? Explain your answer.​ T​ his is the theme I
think I see emerging from the story. I think this novel is sad. I say this because it says in the text, “Salva could
not find any family members.” Also, it says, “I am sorry for what happened to your friend.” That is why I think
the theme is sad.
2.​  (R) D​ escribe the character of Uncle, citing evidence from the text. This is the characteristic I give
uncle. Uncle is a kind person. I say this because uncle says, “They even let me keep my gun.” Also, he
would tell Salva if something happened, for example, in the text it says, “Salva, I am sorry about your
friend.” That is why I think uncle is a kind man.

3.​  (R) W​ hat do you infer happened to Marial? What is the evidence? This is what I think happened to
Marial. I think he was attacked by a lion. I say this because Salva said he heard someone crying in the
background. Also, Salva said he could see lions in the shade of the trees and one of them could have got
hungry and saw Marial and thought he was food and attacked him. That is what I think happened to
Marial.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya says that she liked the dry season because she didn’t
have to walk far to get water. Also, Nya said that her mom is starting to hate the dry season camp because it
was to small. Salva had found his uncle and was no longer just with Marial. Salva’s uncle waked him up and
said his friend, Marial, was hurt bad.

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) To do a lot of times.
My sentence: My brother constantly bugged me all afternoon.

2. Splotches (pg. 41) A smear of a liquid.
My sentence: My brother left splotches of apple juice on the table.

3. Staggered (pg. 43) Walking as if you are going to fall.

My sentence: I staggered because I was so tired.

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.
​This is why I think Akeer and others in Nyas tribe are sick. I think it’s the water. I say this because the water
they drink has bad stuff in it. Also, it says that Nya digs a hole for water which means she will hit clay and
maybe there are tiny clay pieces in the water. That is why I think Akeer and others in Nya’s tribe get sick.

2. ​ (R) H​ ow has Marial’s disappearance changed Salva? Compare and contrast Salva before and after this
event.
T​ his is the change of Salva of Maril’s disappearance. Before Marial disappeared, Salva would not mind if his
uncle would be out of arms reach. Also, he did not mind and wasn’t scared of lions jumping out at him. After
Marial disappeared, Salva would not let his uncle out of arms reach and was always scared. Last, Salva is scared
that a lion will jump out and get him. That is why Salva changed after Marial’s disappearance.

3. What do you think the Nile River could symbolize? Explain your answer.
I think the Nile River could symbolize the color green. I say this because green can mean life. Also, a river can

give life because animals drink from the river which gives life. Also, I think it is calm to because of the
flowing water. That is why I picked the color green for the Nile River.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya says that her sister has a bad cold/illness. Also, she says
that it would take three days to get to the hospital so they can check on her sister. Salva says that he will not
let go of his uncle after what happened to his friend. Also, he says he helped the people that were making
the boats to get across the river.

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) Interest
My sentence: I was monotonous at the new game.

2. Abundance (pg. 47) A large amount.
My sentence: I had a abundance amount of bread.

3. Dismounted (pg. 48) To fall off what riding.
My sentence: I was dismounted from my ski.

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) ​Why do you think the fisherman not share their food with the refugees? Explain your answer.
This is why I think the fisherman didn’t share their food with the refugees. I think they didn’t because they think
they are mean. Also, they might not like refugees so they won’t give them food. Last, I think they thought they
would just keep coming to them for food and they don’t want them their. That is why I think the fisherman
didn’t give food to the refugees.
3. Predict: What do you think will happen to the group in the Akobo Desert? Why do you think that?

This is what I think will happen to the group in the Akobo Desert. I think they will run out of water. I say
this because it will be so hot that the water will evaporate from them. Also, they could get bumped while
drinking their water and it will fall to the ground and they will lose it all. Last, they might drink it all and
others might and they will lose strength to walk and might end up left. That is what I think will happen to
the group in the Akobo Desert.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya and her mom take akeer to the tent that had medics. The
medic said that Akeer got sick from the water. Salva is at a little island in the river and they get food from the
people their. At night, Salva has to fight off a bunch of mosquitoes.

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) O​ ppressively constant; incessant.
My sentence: I was relentless for food.

2. Gored (pg. 52) A large container.
My sentence: I used the gored for the water.

3. Precise (pg. 54) Accuracy
My sentence: I was precise on my test.

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?
This is what I think will happen to the visitors. I think they will help with the water. Also, they might
help find food. Last, I think they are to keep people company. That is what I think will happen to the
visitors.

2.​  ​What does water symbolize in this chapter? Explain your answer.
​This is what I think the water symbolize. I think it symbols life. I think this because water helps people
and other things live. Also, I think that it shows life because it is one thing we need to survive. Last, I say
life because it is all Salva and others need to survive. That is what I think the water symbolize.
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?
This is why I think the woman did that. I think she did it to be nice. I also think that they might be her
husband or son. Last, I think she did because she felt bad for the men. That is why I think the woman did
that.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya talks how new people come to the tribe. Salva was
walking and fell behind. Salva fell behind and uncle came and helped him. Salva and uncle slowly caught up
to the crowd.

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) To get life back.

My sentence: I felt revived after eating food.

2. Ravaged (pg. 59) Severely damaged.

My sentence: I felt ravaged after the football game.

3. Receding (pg. 61) To move far away.

My sentence: I was receding from the seeker.

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?
​This is how I think the visitors will find the water. I think they might take a shovel and just dig to the
water. Also, I think they might take a drill to find the water. Last, I think they might take a car and get rid
of the dirt by driving it in place. That is how I think the visitors will find 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.
This is what I think he would do. I think he might give them some water to drink. Also, I think he will
splash it on their face to wake them up. Last, he might have kept it because he will need it and might
have shared it. That is what I think he would do.
​3. ​(R) ​Why did the strangers rob the group and shoot Uncle? What do you think was their purpose for
doing this?
This is what I think their purpose was. I think they did it to scare them and stay in the desert. Also, I think
they shot uncle because they were rebels and when he said he wasn’t they thought he was a trader. Last,
they probably thought they weren’t rebels and decided to rob them. That is what I think their purpose
was.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya was with the group of kids following the visitors. The
visitors say that they know that water was in between two trees. Salva is in the desert and the woman helps

the men on the ground, and Uncle says that he will leave Salva. Some soldiers came and robbed the people
and shot Uncle and then the soldiers ran away.

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) Pull something out of the ground.

My sentence: I uprooted the carrots.

2. Mourn (pg. 65) Show or deep sadness.
My sentence: I felt mourn after the movie.

3. Emaciated (pg. 68) Skinny or weak.
My sentence: I was emaciated after the race.

P​ ART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ (R) W​ hy does Salva feel stronger, bolder, and able to go on after his uncle’s death?
This is why I think Salva feels stronger and bolder and also able to go on after uncle’s death. He can
move forward because he might have the spirit of uncle with him. Also, he feels strong because he knows
his uncle was strong and everyone thought Salva will slow him down but he says he won’t. Last, he feels
bold because he thinks he is able to make it and not cause the group time to wait for him. That is why I
think Salva feels stronger, bolder, and able to go on after uncle’s death.

2.​  ​Compare and contrast Salva’s reaction to Marial’s death to his reaction to his uncle’s death.
He is Salva’s reactions to Marial’s death and uncle’s death. Salva would not let go of uncle when they
thought Marial got eaten by a lion. Also, Salva would not let uncle out of arm's reach when Marial died
until they got out of where lions were. When uncle died, Salva was very sad and upset because that was
his only family member that was with him and was alive. Last, uncles death made Salva determined to
find his family. That is Salva’s reactions to Marial’s death and uncle’s death.

3.​  (R) ​How does Salva’s interactions with the group change after Uncle’s death? Why?
This is why I think Salva’s interaction changed with the group. It might have changed because before
uncle came they thought he would hold them up. Also, when uncle was there, he basically was
babysitting Salva and taking care of him. After uncle died, everyone thought Salva might cry and hold
them up and they didn’t give him unlike uncle where he did give Salva and the others food. That is why I
think Salva’s interaction changed with the group.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya sees the hole they are making for the water. Nya sees
the plants they have to pull out and cut grass and a chance of a poisonous snake coming at you or a
scorpion. Salva and the group bury uncle and then thought Salva would cry again or complain. Salva and the
others make it to the camp and he sees a woman with the same color orange head band as his mom.

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) To move quickly.

My sentence: I skittered across the floor.

2. Torrents (pg. 74) A strong, fast stream of water.

My sentence: I watched the torrents pull the twigs.

3. Merciless (pg. 75) Showing no fear.

My sentence: I was merciless to the bully.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ ​How does Salva change and grow as a character this chapter? What causes this change to happen?
T​ his is how I think Salva changes and grows through this chapter. He was scared before when he got to
the camp. After he has been at the camp he felt like he was at home. Last, he was ok being there but
before he was scared. That is how I think Salva changes and grows through this chapter.
2. ​ (R) W​ hat is the mood at the end of the chapter? Cite words and phrases from the text that support this
mood.
This is what I think the mood is of the end of the chapter. I think the mood was scary. I say this because it
says that soldiers came in trucks. Also, the soldiers were yelling at people to get out and firered in the air
to scare people. Last, the soldiers chased them to the river so they have to go back to Sudan. That is what
I think the mood is of the end of the chapter.

3. ​ ​What do you predict will happen at the Gilo River? Explain.
This is what I think will happen at the Gilo River. I think the soldiers will push some people in the water.
Also, the people will get caught by the current. Last, they might drown from the strength of the water.
That is what I think will happen at the Gilo River.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya watched the woman bring rocks to the men. Also, the
visitors brought a drill to get the water. Salva was living at the camp for 9 years. Salva was being chased by
the soldiers and they were trying to get them back into Sudan.

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) To poke something.

My sentence: I was prodding my brother.

2. Plagued (pg. 80) A problem.

My sentence: I had a plagued to deal with.

3. Scavenge (pg. 81) Search and collect.

My sentence: I was on a scavenge for food.

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.
​ H​ ere is what I think water symbolizes to Salva and Nya. To Nya, water symbolizes life. I say this
because people die from the pond water. But this water will be better than the pond water. Here is what
water symbolizes for Salva. It symbolizes death. I say this because you have a strong current that can pull
you under. Also, he had bullets and crocs coming in the water at him. That is what I think water
symbolizes to Salva and Nya.
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.
T​ his is what I think the most dangerous event Salva faced. I think it was crossing the river. I say this
because he had to hope the current didn’t take him under. Also, he had to hope he didn’t get shot. Last, he
had to try to avoid crocodiles from eating him. That is what I think the most dangerous event Salva faced
was.
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.
This is what character trait I give Salva in the second half of the story. I would say his character trait
would be bravery. I say this because he lead a hole group of boys to freedom. Also, he helped people that
he didn’t know. Last, it says that he would joke and laugh with them and if that didn’t work he would

persuade them and if that didn’t work, he would get angry. That is what character trait I give Salva in the
second half of the story.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya thought it was funny they had to use water to find water.
The bag that held the water spran a bunch of leeks and the wanted to quit. Salva had crocodiles coming in
the river and bullets and people were dying left and right. Salva lead a bunch of kids to safety.

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 moved by a current of water slowly.
My sentence: I was being drifted in the lake.
2. Isolated (pg. 84) Far away from something.
My sentence: I was isolated from the city.
3. Misery (pg. 84) Feeling horrible.
My sentence: I felt like misery after the game.

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.
​This how I think the visitors will fix the muddy water. I think they will take a filter and get rid of all the
bad stuff. Also, they could place a pump that only liquid can get through. Last, they could take buckets
and poor all the bad stuff out. That how I think the visitors will fix the muddy water.

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) D​ oes 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.
This is how I think Salva feels hopeful. He feels hopeful because he might get a chance to the U.S.A. and
a family. Also, he has his uncle with him in his heart and he feels hope with that. Last, he is learning to
speak english and he is hopeful that he will learn it. That is how I think Salva feels hopeful.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya has water coming out of the ground that they can drink
safely. Nya saw that the water had mud in it. Salva lived in different camps that were ok and bad. Salva was
chosen to go get a family in the U.S.A.

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) Don’t get it.
My sentence: I misunderstand the assignment sometimes.
2. Lumbered (pg. 92) Move in a slow way.
My sentence: I lumbered to the car.
3. Abruptly (pg. 94) Suddenly or unexpected.
My sentence: I was abruptly to the cold weather.
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.
Here are two examples of similes. He compared a plane to a bird. He said that unlike a bird that can flap its
wings and fly off, the plane has to get speed. He also compares the cold with a slap on the face. He says that he
had never felt such cold and came and slapped him in the face. Those are my two examples of similes.22

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya’s uncle and some others were told they will fix the dirty
water. Nya still has to get the water from the pond. Salva goes on all sorts of planes to New York. Salva feels
the cold for the first time and met his new 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) Unclear meaning.
My sentence: I was vague when my brother could say the word right.
2. Notion (pg. 100) Believe in something.
My sentence: I was notion for the bird.
3. Remote (pg. 100) Far out in the land.
My sentence: I lived in a remote place.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ I​ n 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.
This is why it is so hard for Salva to return to Africa. He had to do a lot of things. For example, it said he had to

get permits. Also, it says, he had to fill out dozens of forms. Then he had to get plane rides and a ride on a
car. That is why it is so hard for Salva to return to Africa.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. The people that came to Nya’s village started clearing the
land. Nya finds her dad helping the visitors. Salva is with his new family and he finds out that New york is a
lot different from Sudan. Salva finds out his father is alive and he manages to get over there.

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) Breaking something fast with a scythe.

My sentence: I was scything the grass.

2. Haze (pg. 106) Blind for a tiny bit.
My sentence: I was in a haze this morning.

3. Trembling (pg. 109) Shaking a lot.

My sentence: I was trembling because it was cold.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ (R) ​Choose one character trait to describe Salva in this chapter. Cite two pieces of evidence to
support your answer.
This is the character trait I give Salva. I say Salva is caring. I say this because he traveled from New York
to Africa with is not easy. Also, he stayed with his father a long time talking. Last, he loves his dad and
he traveled over the pacific to get to him. That is the character trait I give Salva.

2.​  ​What do you predict Salva’s project for South Sudan will be?
T​ his is what I think Salva’s project for South Sudan is. I think he is going to help with water. I say this
because he saw that his father was having surgery because of the bad water. Also, he doesn’t want people
suffering the same thing. Last, he was wanting to be nice to other people. That is what I think Salva’s
project for South Sudan is.

3.​  (R) ​How do you infer Salva feels about speaking in front of an audience? Cite two pieces of evidence
from the text that supports this.
This what I think Salva feels about talking in front of an audience. I think that he is nervous at first and
then comfortable. I say this because it said he was scared that people won’t understand him. Also, he
thought he would say the wrong words. Last, he remembered talking to the group of boys in the morning
and afternoon and that made him feel comfortable. That is what I think Salva feels about talking in front
of an audience.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya finds out they are building a school by the pump. All the
kids can go to school and not just the boys. Salva goes to his father to see him. Salva is starting a project for
South 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) To not agree.

My sentence: I was in a dispute about the new law.

2. Maintaining (pg. 113) To keep control of something.
My sentence: I was maintaining the egg from the bird.

3. Assumed (pg. 114) To think someone did something without proof.
My sentence: I assumed my dad ate the last cookie.

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.
Here is how I think the well transformed the villager’s lifes. First, they don’t need to drink bad water
anymore. Also, the girls can go to school and not have to fetch water. Last, they can build a school for
kids and a hospital so they don’t have to walk far. That is how I think the well transformed the
villager’s lifes.

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?
This is how I think Salva’s story connected to Nya’s story. I think this happened because Salva wanted to
help give people water in South Sudan. Also, he went around helping people get good water and ended up
with Nya’s group. Last, I think the author choose to do this because Salva didn’t just help people from his
tribe, but everyone who needed the water. That is how I think Salva’s story connected to Nya’s story.

3. ​ W​ as your prediction about Salva’s project from last chapter correct or incorrect?
This is what I think abou Salva’s project and if he was correct/incorrect. I think Salva’s project was
correct. I say this because his goal was to give clean water to people in South Sudan and he did. I say this
because he drilled a hole to water for Nya’s tribe and other tribes. Then, he would make a well that had a
filter to keep all the bad stuff out. Last, he didn’t care if they were from his tribe or not, he gave everyone
in South Sudan water. That is what I think abou Salva’s project and if he was correct/incorrect.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. She couldn’t believe how good the water was. She heard the
boss was from the Dinka group. She didn’t know why he would do this if his tribe is fighting her tribe. She
went up to him and she met him and he asked Nya her name and then asked him and he said his name was
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 fast with obstacles in the way.
My sentence: I was perseverance on my science project.
2. Depicted (pg. 118) To show something by art.
My sentence: I was depicted of my feelings.
3. Languished (pg. 119) To become weak and not have lots of stuff.
My sentence:I was languished in the desert.

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?
This is why I am satisfied at how the book ended. I am satisfied because Salva was successful with his project.
Also, it was so cool to have the storys meet together. Last, it is satisfying because you have Salva making his
project work and meets Nya. That is why I am satisfied at how the book ended.

2.​  D​ o you think there will ever be peace in Sudan? Why or why not? Explain.
T​ his is what I think if there will be peace in Sudan. I think there will be no peace. I say this because, they
have been fighting for so long I don’t think they will stop. Also, when they try to make peace some
people might do something to the other side and cause war again. Last, they might have love ones get
killed and that will make people fight more. That is what I think if there will be peace in Sudan.

3. ​ (R) W​ hat do you feel the theme/message of the book is? Explain your answer thoroughly.
This is what I think the theme is of this book. I think the theme is sad and happy. I say this because Salva
lost lots of things like his Uncle and his new friend he made. Also, it is happy because Salva got a new
family to live with and he won’t have to stay at refugee camps. Last, he will miss his old family but his
project to help people that don’t have good water is going well. That is what I think the theme is of this
book.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Salva is happy that he has a family and his project is going
well. Salva says that your life will be better if you don’t just quit. The author says she would ask travelers that
had seen the drilling going on just like in Nya’s village. The author also interviewed Salva many times and
read his accounts to get to know him.