Mortimer,Julia of Long Walk to Water Student Guide (1)

Student Guide

Name: Julia Mortimer

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): I think it means, Started to or continued with saying something.

My sentence: ​My brother droned on about what happened in gym today.

2. Halted (pg.4) I think it means to stop or came to an end.

My sentence: I​ suddenly halted and remender I had a lot of work to do.

3. Rebels (pg.6) I think it means to fight against something.

My sentence: M​ any kids were being rebels to fight for no more homework.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1. ​ (R) W​ hat kind of student is Salva? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
I think Salva was a good student. According to the text, “Salva was a good student”. It also says that he already
knew the lesson. Also he spoke the language of his Dinka tribe. But at school he learned the language Arabic.
This shows that he was a good student because he got his work done and he knew two language. This is why I
think Salva was a good student.
3​ . ​ D​ escribe the setting of the
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.
I think Salva’s family has wealth. According to the text, “Salva’s father was a successful man.” It also says that
he owned many head of cattle. Also he was there village’s judge. This shows that his father was respected and
was educate. Since he had many head of cattle he had wealth. This is why I think Salva’s family was in a higher
class and was consider a rich.

​3.​  D​ escribe the setting of the story. Give specific details from the story.

Think the setting is inside Salva’s head when he was daydreaming about playing with his brothers and taking
care of the cattle in the field.
Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Salva was daydreaming of taking care of cattle when he was
at school. But then the class herd gunshots and they went to the bush.

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) I think it means that someone is scared or nervous about something.​

​My sentence: I was very tensed about getting my shot

2. Scurried (pg. 12) Something you did quickly or fast.
My sentence: I scurried to get my work done on time.

3. Objected (pg.12) To say or do something against what someone says
My sentence: I objected to go play with my brother.

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

An example of a simile can be found on page 8_. It states a jet veered away like a sleek evil bird the two things that are being
compared is a jet plane and 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?

​When Salva chooses the men’s line it shows that he is brave. For example, even though Salva was only eleven years old
he still tried to go into the men's line. Also, when the soldier puts his gun at Salva’s chin somehow Salva finds the strength
to keep him from collapsing in terror. Finally, Salva is brave for walking with strangers to find safety. This shows that he
was being very brave. Salva is very brave in many ways.

3. ​ W​ hat is the mood of this chapter? Cite details from the text that support this mood.
I think the mood of the chapter is scary. He is eleven years old with stranger and people with guns.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
For Nya she is still walking to the water and gets a thorn in her heal. For Salva he is running from the bomb
and the rebels captured him and the people he is running with.

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) Lage things used in war
My sentence: When we went to the military base we got to see the Artillery.

2. Sympathy (pg.18) I think it means that they feel sorry
My sentence: I shook my head in sympathy for the cat.

3. Dimmer (pg.19) I think that means that it is not completely dark but not completely light.
My sentence: It grow dimmer as the night went on.

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 purpose is to show what it is like during the war and after the war. South Sudan is still a hard place to live.

2. ​ (R) D​ escribe how Salva treats the older woman he comes across. What does this tell us about Dinka
culture?
I think how Salva treats the older woman shows that the Dinka culture treats each other like family. In the text,
salva says to the older women “Good morning Auntie” on page 16. Also, the older women gave Salva food and
shared what little water she had. I think since the older women took care of Salva she treated him like family.
This shows that the Dinka culture treats each other like family.

she

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.
Since was olders and couldn’t move very well, she was no threat to the rebels. If she brought along Salva, the
rebels might force Salva to work for them.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. Nya made it to the water and started to go back home. When
Salva woke up in the barn the people he was running with had left him. Salva sole a pond were a woman
was sitting she was part of the dinka tribe she give him food and water. On the fourth day the women said I
am leaving then a group of the dinka tribe came along and they tuck Salva.

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) I think lag means to get behind or to not do something.

My sentence:​ I Lag of on doing my homework.

2. Content (pg. 22) I think it means fine with what you got or what you have

My sentence: I was content with the food I got.

3. Sluggishly (pg. 23) I think it means not quickly.

My sentence: I walked sluggishly to class

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? Nya lives in a place that has a dry season when they do not have water which
means she has to walk far.

2. ​ ​Whose struggles do you feel is worse – Salva’s or Nya’s? Why? Explain your answer.

I​ think Salva’s struggles are worse because there are more of them. He worries about the war and not having food. He
worries about water and he worries about were his family is and if they are alive.

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?

I think when woman touches the man’s arm she reminds him that he is just a boy and that he is part of their
tribe. The tribe takes care of their own.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya take a quick brake and then goes for her second trip to the pond. This time she takes her younger sister
to teach her how to do this chore. Salva goes with a new group they walk day and night away from the war.
They are hungry and thirsty.

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 fight
My sentence: We clashed over who got the last cookie.

2. Luscious (pg. 28) Something that is good.
My sentence: The ice cream was so luscious

3. Preyed (pg. 31) I think preyed means to hunt.
My sentence: The cat preyed on the mouse.

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? I think they are fighting for the land and the natural resources

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? That the war covers a large part of
land and that it makes people move away from their homes.

3.​  ​What is the meaning of the phrase “Salva heard that sigh all the way to his heart”? (29)

The meaning of the phrase is that Salva knew what the boy was going through and that he was sad that
neither one of them had their family.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
During the dry seasons Nya has to move to a lake far away from where she lives during the rainy seasons
and she still has to go get water. Salva has been walking now for a month while he was walking Salva meet
a boy they became friends. While they were walking Slava learned that they were going to Ethiopia.

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 quickly eat something

My sentence:​ I gobbled down my lunch

2. Rebelled (pg. 36) Fighting against something
My sentence:​ I rebelled against doing my homework.

3. Fortunate (pg. 37) I think Fortunate lucky
My sentence:​ I was fortunate to win a prize

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  ​What is one theme you are seeing emerge in the novel so far? Explain your answer.

Life goes on even when you have struggle. Nya and Salva both are going through this hard time were they do not have much
and danger. But still they survive.

2.​  (R) ​Describe the character of Uncle, citing evidence from the text.

I think Uncle was caring, compassionate, and a leader. On page 35 the text says, “Eh Nephew he said in a cheerful voice. We
are together now, so I will look after you.” This shows that he is caring and compassionate. Also it says in the text, “Uncle was
seen by the group as a kind of leader.” This shows that Uncle is a leader. This shows that Salva’s uncle is caring,
compassionate, and a good leader.

3.​  (R) ​What do you infer happened to Marial? What is the evidence?
I think Marial was eaten by a lion. On page 37 in the text says, “Every day they saw lions” this shows that
there were a lot of lions around them. Also in the text it says, “Night became uneasy. Salva woke often to
the sound of roars in the distance and sometimes to the death-squeal of an animals under a lion’s claws.”
This shows that I think Marial was eaten by a lion.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya and her family are at the lake, she likes it there because she doesn’t have to walk far for water. But
doesn’t like it there because there is danger for her family. If they run into the dinka tribe and have to fight,
someone could get hurt or die. Salva finds his uncle within the group and his uncle says he will take care of
him. After traveling a long way to look for water, Salva slept. When he woke up his friend Marial went
missing.

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) I think constantly means all of the time
My sentence: I constantly read my book.

2. Splotches (pg. 41) ​ spots or patches
My sentence: there was splotches of paint on the floor

3. Staggered (pg. 43) Had a hard time walking
My sentence: I staggered to the end of the finish line

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.

​I think that the dirty water is making them sick. On page 27 in the text, “The water that filled the hole was filthy.”
Another one is on page 27 in the text, “More mud than liquid.” This shows that the water was dirty and it is not good for
you when you drink dirty water.

2.​  (R) ​How has Marial’s disappearance changed Salva? Compare and contrast Salva before and after this
event. Marial’s disappearance changed Salva by making Salva scared. On page 11 in the text, “Salva took a few
steps toward the men.” Also on page 40 in the text, “ Never letting Uncle get farther than an arm’s length
away.” Salva was being brave when he started to walk to the men’s line. This shows that Marial’s disappearance
made Salva be scared.
3. What do you think the Nile River could symbolize? Explain your answer.
I think the Nile River symbolize the gateway to peace. They are leaving South Sudan and going to a new

country where there is no war. This shows that they are going to a area where it is peaceful and they can
get have a new start.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya is at the lake and her sister gets sick. Her family has to decide if her sister is better staying or making
the long trip to a clinic for care. Salva continues walking towards Ethiopia. The group has to make boats out
of reeds so they can cross the Nile 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) Not interesting and the same thing over and over again
My sentence: Doing my homework every night is monotonous.

2. Abundance (pg. 47) H​ aving lots of things
My sentence: I have a abundance of stuffed animals

3. Dismounted (pg. 48) ​ to get off
My sentence: I​ dismounted off of the horse

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.

I think the fisherman did not share his food because the refugees had no money. On page number 47 in the text it say, “None
of the travers had money or anything of value to trade, so they had to beg for food.” Since they did not have money the
fishermen did not want to give them food if they did not have money. This show that the fishermen did not want to 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?
I think that some people will die because in the text it says, “But there are some people who did not have
a container.” Without a container go would not be able to have water and without water you can not
survive in the desert.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya’s family takes Akeer to the clinic and she gets better. They are told at the clinic that they have to boil all
the water they drink to keep from getting sick. Salva started the trip across the Nile. The made it to the
island at the middle of the river. The begged the fisherman that lived on the island for food as they had a lot
of food.

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) I think relentless means won't give up
My sentence: I​ was relentless of getting my phone

2. Gored (pg. 52) ​I think it means to cut into
My sentence: T​ he vampire was gored by the stake

3. Precise (pg. 54) ​ I think it means detailed and exact
My sentence: ​When I measured my room, I was 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?

I think the visitors came to give them a new water source. I think the visitors will leave and then come back with more people
to give them a new water source.

2. ​ ​What does water symbolize in this chapter? Explain your answer.

I​ think the water symbolizes survival because you can not live without water. Nya’s family can't live without water
and Salva and his uncle can't live without water.

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?
I think the woman gave her water to the dying man because she is a compassion character. On page 55 it
says “Salva could see tears in her eyes. She shook her head, then poured a little water onto a cloth and
began to wet the lips of one of the men on the sand.” I think this shows that she is compassion because
she did not want to see them dye so she gave them some of her water. This shows that the woman was
compassion.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Two men came to Nya’s village and and went to take to the chief. Salva and the group started the
long journey across the desert when they pasted some dying men.

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 heal
My sentence: They Revived the old car and made it run again

2. Ravaged (pg. 59) T​ o destroy or damaged
My sentence: The kids ravaged the cake

3. Receding (pg. 61) Moved back
My sentence: T​ he beach receded as the high tide came in.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  H​ ow 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 visitors will find water under the trees because trees can not live without
water. In the dry seasons it does not rain a lot so there has to be a under the trees for the trees to survive.

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.

I​ think Salva would have given water to the dying men because Salva is a kind and caring person.
In passed chapters Salva did an old woman's chores and he took care of his younger siblings.

​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 robbed the group and killed Uncle because they don’t like refugees and
people from other tribes. On page 62, Salva stated that he could tell by the strangers were from the Nuer
tribe by their ritual scarring. They also asked Uncle he was part of the rebel army. I think they did not
want him to come after them and thought of him as their enemy. This is why I think the strangers robbed
the group and killed Uncle.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter. The men finished there conversation and went to go find the
best spot to drill for water. Salva and the group finished their journey across the desert when some strangers
from the Nuer tribe robbed them and killed 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) moved to a new place

My sentence: I uprooted the tree in my backyard and moved it to the front yard.

2. Mourn (pg. 65) To be sad over the someone who died
My sentence: I mourned over my grandfather who died.

3. Emaciated (pg. 68) Skinny to the point of dying
My sentence: The wolf was Emaciated it looked like he hadn't eaten in months.
P​ ART 2: READING QUESTIONS

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

I think Salva’s Uncle’s death made him stronger because he knew that his Uncle would have wanted he to keep on
going. In the text it says, “Salva knew that both of them would have wanted him to survive, to finish the trip and
reach the Itang refugee camp safely.” Also it says in the text, “It was almost as if they had left their strength with
him, to help him on his journey.” This show that he thinks that they are still with him and that they are pushing him
along. This shows that Salva’s Uncle’s death made him stronger.

2.​  ​Compare and contrast Salva’s reaction to Marial’s death to his reaction to his uncle’s death.

I​ think Salva was more shaken up by Marial’s death than his Uncle’s death. When Marial died Salva was so scared
he wouldn’t let his Uncle out of his sight. When Uncle died Salva knew he need to be strong if wanted to survive.

3. ​ (R) ​How does Salva’s interactions with the group change after Uncle’s death? Why?
After Uncle’s death Salva’s interaction with the group change because the group didn’t think he could
keep up. On page 65 it says, “Once again they grumbled that he was too young and small, that he might
slow them down.” Also it says, “ No one shared anything with him, neither food nor company.” This
shows that now that he wasn’t under Uncle’s care and protection the group did not want him. This why
the groups interactions with Salva changed.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
The two men left and the people began to clearing the land. After Uncle’s death the group went on to the
Itang refugee camp were Salva was separated and put in a group for kids without their parents.

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 around quickly
My sentence: T​ he mouse skittered around the room

2. Torrents (pg. 74) Strong currents
My sentence: The torrents of the water took me away

3. Merciless (pg. 75) ​ Cruel and showing no mercy
My sentence: The fox was merciless to its prey

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  H​ ow does Salva change and grow as a character this chapter? What causes this change to happen?

I think Salva changed and grown. Salva has grown and changed by getting older he was in the camp for 6 years so know he is
almost 17 years old. Also he wants to make something of himself in honor of his family's memories. This is why I think Salva
has changed and grown.

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 of the end of the chapter is terrifying. On page 74 in the text it says, “It was as if
the people ceased to be people and instead became an enormous herd of panicked, stampeding two-legged
creatures.” Also in the text, “The crowd thousands of people running and screaming.” I think theses
phrases show that it was terrifying. This is why I think the mood of the end of the chapter is terrifying.

3. ​ ​What do you predict will happen at the Gilo River? Explain.
I think once the soldiers drive the people into the water some people will die from the crocodiles and
some will drowned. I predict this because Salva tells us that the Gilo River is known for its crocodiles and
for its rough waters.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
The two men come back with a drill and begin to drill the hole, Nya is not sure how that is going to give them
water. Salva has now been at the camp for 6 years and learns that the Ethiopian government is going to shut
the camp down. Soldier came to run them out of town.

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) Poked with a pointed object
My sentence: S​he was prodding the horse into the stall.

2. Plagued (pg. 80) To pester or harass
My sentence: M​ om was plagued with questions by my brother.

3. Scavenge (pg. 81) Search for and collect
My sentence: Foxes scavenge for fo​od.

PART 2: READING QUESTIONS

1.​  (R) ​What 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 a new life for Nya and in contrast water symbolizes danger and death for Salva. I think the water
symbolizes a new life for Nya because she will no longer have to walk back and forth to the pond all day long. I think the
water symbolizes danger and death for Salva because on page 79, it says in the text, “Later, he would learn that at least a
thousand people had died trying to cross the river that day, drowned or shot or attacked by crocodiles.” For Nya water
symbolizes a easier life but Salva it was death and danger. This is the symbolic differences of water between the two
characters.

2. ​ (R) ​Salva 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 chapter but I think the most dangerous
was when he crossed the Gilo river. On page 78, it says in the text, “The soldiers started shooting into the
river, aiming their guns at the people who were trying to get across.” Also on page 79, in the text, “More
crocodiles were launching themselves off the banks. The rain, the mad currents, the bullets, the crocodiles,
the welter of arms and legs, the screams, the blood….He had to get across somehow.” This shows that he
faced many dangers, such as bullets, crocodiles, and the force of the water. This is why I think crossing the
Gilo river was the most dangerous.

3.​  (R) ​Describe 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 main character trait in the second half of the this
chapter was that he was a leader. He lead 1,500 boys south to Kenya and it took them a year and a half to
get there. On page 81 in the text it states, “He organized the group, giving everyone a job: scavenge for
food; collect firewood; stand guard while the group slept.” This shows that Salva was the leader of the
group and that he could lead others as his uncle did. This why I think that Salvas main character trait is
leadership.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya continued to watch the crew drill for water. The men overcame problems and continued drilling. Salva
survived a dangerous river crossing and a year and a half walk leading 1,500 boys to Kenya.

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) Came over
My sentence:​ The snow drifted into the fox's to its den
2. Isolated (pg. 84) Far away from other places
My sentence: ​My house was isolated in the woods
3. Misery (pg. 84) Discomfort and unhappy
My sentence: I am in misery when playing soccer in the heat.

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 think the visitors will fix the muddy water by digging deeper. This will get them down to cleaner 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.
I think Salva’s hope in this chapter is different than on his journey to the camps. In this chapter Salva’s
hope is to continue his education and have a better future. On page 85, in the text says, “He even dreamed
of saving some money so that one day he could leave the camp and continue his education somehow.”
When he was traveling to the camps his hope was to survive On page 68 in the text it says, “During that
long terrible trek, finding a safe place to stop and stay for a while had been desperately important.” This
shows that when he was at the camp in this chapter he was hopeful for a better future and while on his
journey to the camps he was hopeful for survival. This is my comparison of Salva’s hope while on the
way to the camps and in this chapter.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
After three days of drilling, a spray of water shot high into the air. Nya and everyone cheered at the sight of
the water. Salva his lived in refugee camps for the past 5 years and Salva has learned that he has been
chosen to live in the United States.

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) do not understand correctly
My sentence: I misunderstand what the teacher was saying
2. Lumbered (pg. 92) To move slow and heavy way
My sentence: Bigfoot lumbered in the woods.
3. Abruptly (pg. 94) Sudden and unexpected
My sentence: The bus abruptly stopped before the stop sign.
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.
Two similes from this chapter are “Cars crawled along the roads like ants in a line.” and “ The frigid air hit
Salva’s face like a slap.” For the first simile the cars from far away and the ants in a line are being compared
and for the second simile the cold air hitting Salva face and a slap. These are the two similes in the chapter.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Dep explains how they are going to get clean water. Salva flies to New York and meets 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) Uncertain or Unclear
My sentence: The plan was vague on details.

2. Notion (pg. 100) Idea or belief of something
My sentence: She had a Vague notion about what happened.

3. Remote (pg. 100) Far away from other places
My sentence: I watch a TV show about 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 was difficult for Salva to return to Africa because war was still raging making it hard to make arrangements.
On page 101 in the text it says, “He had to get permits, fill out dozens of forms, and organize plane flights and
car transport in a region where there were no airports or roads.” Also in the text it says, “It took not days or
weeks but month before all the plans were in place.” This shows how much work and planning Salva had to
complete before he could travel to Sudan. This is why it was so difficult for Salva to return to Africa.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya learned that the men were going to clear the land and build something. Salva learns that his father is
alive and travels to Africa to find him.

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) A tool used to cut grass
My sentence: My Uncle was scything the long grass

2. Haze (pg. 106) Unclear or foggy

My sentence: It was a Haze of what happened

3. Trembling (pg. 109) Shaking from emotion
My sentence: I was Trembling that I am going on the roller coaster

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.

One character trait in this chapter for Salva is determined. On page 110 in the text it says, “Whenever he found himself losing
hope, Salva would take a deep breath and think of his uncle’s words. A step at a time. One problem at a time-just figure out
this one problem.” Also on page 108 it says in the text, “But he had to do it. If he didn’t talk about the project, and no one
would learn about it.” He did not give up when he wanted something so badly. This is one character trait for Salva in this
chapter.

2. ​ ​What do you predict Salva’s project for South Sudan will be?

I​ think Salvas project is give clean water to people in South Sudan because when he saw his father sick in the
hospital from drinking the dirty water he wanted to do something about it.

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.
I think Salva feels nervous about speaking in front of an audience. On page 108 it says in the text,
“Salva’s knees were shaking as he walked to the mike.” Also on page 109 it says in the text, “His hands
trembling, he looked out at the audience.” These two pieces of text show that he is uncomfortable. This
shows that he is nervous when he speaks in front of the audience.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya learns that they are building a school and she gets to go to school. Salva was able to see his father that
was sick from drinking dirty water and Salva wants to do something about it and he starts fundraising.

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) Argument or disagreement
My sentence: My mom breaks up a lot of disputes between me and my brother

2. Maintaining (pg. 113) to keep something nice
My sentence: I am maintaining my room by picking up my clothes

3. Assumed (pg. 114) To conclude without prif
My sentence: I assumed that my soccer team would win​ t​ he game.

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.

T​ he well transformed the lives of the villagers in many ways. On page 113 it says, “In a few more days, the school
would be finished. Nya and Dep and Akeer would all go to school, along with the other children.” Also on page
112 it says in the text, “The water was delicious. It wasn’t warm or muddy like the water from the pond.” It also
says there will be a marketplace. The well transformed the villagers by giving them a school, clean water, and a
marketplace.

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 and Salva's story intersect when we learn that Salva is the one who is giving water the Nya’s village. I think the author
chose to tell the story this way because it shows how amazing Salva is. He survived many challenges and is still able to give
back to the people in his country.

3.​  W​ as your prediction about Salva’s project from last chapter correct or incorrect?
Yes, my prediction was correct that Salva would bring clean water to the people in South Sudan.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Nya talks to Salva and thanks them for bringing them 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) To not give up
My sentence: Perseverance is a good trait to have when playing soccer

2. Depicted (pg. 118) To describe in words
My sentence: The story depicted how he won the soccer game

3. Languished (pg. 119) To remain in an unpleasant place
My sentence: The prisoner languished in jail

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 satisfied with how the book end because Salva was able to find some of his family and that he
was able to help people in South Sudan.

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 because if people get better education there society will grow and they can focus on peace
verses survival.

3.​  (R) ​What do you feel the theme/message of the book is? Explain your answer thoroughly.
I think the theme of the book is perseverance. In chapter 13 on page 81 in the text it says, “ I will get us
safely to Kenya, he thought. No matter how hard it is.” Also on chapter 13 page 76 it says, “ The drilling
crew was discouraged by the leaks. They wanted to stop working. But their boss kept them going.” These
are some examples of how Salva never gave up in the book.This is why I think the theme of the book is
perseverance.

Write a 1-2 sentence summary of this chapter.
Salva’s message of the book is “ I overcame all the difficult situation of my past because of the hope and
perseverance. The author’s note gives you a background of the war.