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Gently used with light wear on the cover and corners. May have some writing or highlighting. Dust jacket or extras might be missing. May be ex-library copy. Ships direct from Amazon! Gently used with light wear on the cover and corners. May have some writing or highlighting. Dust jacket or extras might be missing. May be ex-library copy. Ships direct from Amazon! See less
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A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story Paperback – Illustrated, October 4, 2011

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 25,579 ratings

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Cherished by millions of readers, this #1 New York Times bestselling novel is a powerful tale of perseverance and hope. Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park interweaves the stories of two Sudanese children who overcome mortal dangers to improve their lives and the lives of others.

A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay.

Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way. Includes an afterword by author Linda Sue Park and the real-life Salva Dut, on whom the novel is based, and who went on to found Water for South Sudan.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"There have been several books about the lost boys of Sudan for adults, teens, and even for elementary-school readers. But [this] spare, immediate account, based on a true story, adds a stirring contemporary dimension. Young readers will be stunned by the triumphant climax." — Booklist (starred review)

"[This] spare, hard-hitting novel delivers a memorable portrait of two children in Sudan. Tragic and harrowing." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Two narratives intersect in a quiet conclusion that is filled with hope." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"This powerful dual narrative packs suspense and introspection into Park's characteristic spare description; while there are lots of details offered to the reader, they come not in long, prosaic lines but in simple, detached observations. Both Salva's and Nya's stories are told with brutal, simple honesty, and they deliver remarkable perspective on the Sudanese conflict. The novel's brevity and factual basis makes the reality of life in Sudan very accessible, and readers will find both the story and the style extremely moving." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Park simply yet convincingly depicts the chaos of war and an unforgiving landscape. A heartfelt account." — Kirkus Reviews

"Brilliant. A touching narrative about strife and survival on a scale most American readers will never see." — BookPage

"Riveting." — The Horn Book

"A fast, page-turning read. A great book for high school students and an important novel for young adults who enjoy learning about other world cultures." — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

About the Author

Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard and #1 New York Times bestseller for A Long Walk to Water, is the renowned author of picture books and novels for young readers. She lives in Western New York. Learn more at lindasuepark.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books; Reprint edition (October 4, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0547577311
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0547577319
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10+ years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 720L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.62 x 5.13 x 0.39 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 25,579 ratings

About the author

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Linda Sue Park
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Linda Sue Park is the author of the Newbery Medal book A Single Shard, many other novels, several picture books, and most recently a book of poetry: Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems). She lives in Rochester, New York, with her family, and is now a devoted fan of the New York Mets. For more infromation visit www.lspark.com.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
25,579 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book meaningful and thought-provoking. They describe the story as captivating, a true story about perseverance, determination, and hope. The book inspires students and makes them more aware of other kids' experiences. It is accessible for readers of all ages. Readers mention that the book has heartbreaking moments and amazing journey.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,075 customers mention "Readability"1,060 positive15 negative

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the author's attention to detail without being overly graphic, the strong figurative language, and the appropriate vocabulary for its length and age group.

"...This story unfolded well and was intriguing to us all as we took in the pages and experienced the journey...." Read more

""A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park is a compelling and poignant novel that skillfully weaves together two narratives, telling the true stories..." Read more

"This was a meaningful read. As a person who loves to learn new things, this story is heartbreaking and uplifting." Read more

"...which is what makes it appropriate as far as the length of the book, vocabulary and age group...." Read more

857 customers mention "Story quality"826 positive31 negative

Customers find the story captivating and heartwarming. They describe it as a true story about perseverance, determination, and hope. The story is told in first-person narrative by two different characters. It's not about despair or violence, but rather about hope. Readers praise the book as poignant and inspiring, saying it's a story for everyone to read.

"...This story unfolded well and was intriguing to us all as we took in the pages and experienced the journey...." Read more

""A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park is a compelling and poignant novel that skillfully weaves together two narratives, telling the true stories..." Read more

"...who loves to learn new things, this story is heartbreaking and uplifting." Read more

"...was a bit annoying, What I enjoyed most was that it is a true story about perseverance, determination and hope with some miracles thrown in there:)..." Read more

447 customers mention "Educational value"438 positive9 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and educational. They say it makes them more aware of other kids' experiences and how lucky they are to live in a good world. The book opens their eyes to different cultures and conditions in which others live in the world. It is a moving story that tells the story of two children and the changes they experience.

"...well and was intriguing to us all as we took in the pages and experienced the journey. This book should be at the top of your list." Read more

"...a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of access to clean water for communities worldwide." Read more

"...I enjoyed most was that it is a true story about perseverance, determination and hope with some miracles thrown in there:)..." Read more

"...Great book that opened up dialogue between my son and me. I highly recommend." Read more

237 customers mention "Book for all ages"232 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the book for all ages. They find it accessible to both younger and older readers, teaching young readers perseverance. The book is well-written and worth reading for students and adults alike. Readers mention it's appropriate for kids in middle school and up.

"...is accessible and emotionally resonant, making the book suitable for a wide range of readers, including young adults...." Read more

"...It is classified as a children's book which is what makes it appropriate as far as the length of the book, vocabulary and age group...." Read more

"...I definitely recommend this book for children and adults. You will find yourself wanting to keep moving forward in your life." Read more

"...this tragic and gruesome story but yet it is so inspiring and eye opening. What is really inspiring about this story is that it is true!..." Read more

100 customers mention "Heartbreaking"71 positive29 negative

Customers find the book emotional and inspiring. They describe it as heartbreaking, sad, and amazing at the same time. The message of living through tragedy and coming out stronger resonates with them. Readers experience a wide range of emotions between the two main characters, including hope, encouragement, abandonment, and perseverance.

"...As a person who loves to learn new things, this story is heartbreaking and uplifting." Read more

"...A lesson of life, death and perseverance. Beautifully written." Read more

"...A Long Walk to Water will make you cry tears of joy, anger, and relief. I am astonished by the protagonist's motivation, strength, and persistence...." Read more

"This book is an amazing story based on a true story. It is heartbreaking at times but it has a happy ending...." Read more

77 customers mention "Pacing"77 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They describe it as an amazing journey with determination. The plot is well-woven between the two main characters and keeps readers on their toes.

"...the two stories of Nya and Salva together is incredibly powerful and moving. This story teaches lessons of compassion and perseverance and courage...." Read more

"...the two stories of Nya and Salva together is incredibly powerful and moving...." Read more

"This book is moving. It tells the story of two children and the changes they experience because of each other...." Read more

"...This book kept me on my toes and my jaw dropped multiple times while reading - and it's all based on a true story. Truly incredible...." Read more

76 customers mention "Interest"70 positive6 negative

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. It makes them appreciate their lives and the things they have. The writing style draws them in and makes them want to keep reading. The storyline is exciting and satisfying, culminating with a hopeful ending. Readers say it's one of the most fantastic journeys of their lives.

"...the alternating perspectives create a powerful narrative that keeps readers engaged...." Read more

"...My daughter learned so much and keep her interested in still reading the book." Read more

"...It makes you appreciate your life, and the things you have. It is also educational and has a great moral. Highly recommend this book for anyone" Read more

"...My heart hurt for every loss, and rejoiced for every happiness. It was an emotional whirlwind, but I'm so glad the cover caught my eye!" Read more

66 customers mention "Shortness"44 positive22 negative

Customers have different views on the book's length. Some find it short enough that challenging readers are not scared away, while others say it's packed with a powerful story and doesn't mention it's not a full-length book.

"...Beautiful, short, and easy to read story. Highly recommend it." Read more

"I loved this book. It is only about 120 pages long and is based on a true story of a boy born in the Sudan...." Read more

"Every American should read this book. It is very short but so important to realize how fortunate a country we are...." Read more

"...This story is short and to the point. Initially I wondered how much impact such a short book, with such forthright language, could have. I was wrong...." Read more

Well written book for young readers (7 years onwards, in my opinion)
4 out of 5 stars
Well written book for young readers (7 years onwards, in my opinion)
The way this author has written about Nya at the start of a chapter and then continued on with Salva is an incredible way of writing. :))The originality of this is amazing, the fact that this actually happened to someone gives us something to think about. It has been written with good care, it was a pleasant read, and no time was wasted reading this emotion-enduing novel.The author captures the reader's attention... but not as much as it could have. He described the seriousness of the situation well, but describing it more would've made the reader more interested in the novel.But the ending was fantastic! Do you want to know how it ended? Read it to find out!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024
    I read aloud to my children every night who are currently 10 years old and 12 years old. This story unfolded well and was intriguing to us all as we took in the pages and experienced the journey. This book should be at the top of your list.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024
    "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park is a compelling and poignant novel that skillfully weaves together two narratives, telling the true stories of Salva Dut and Nya. Set in Sudan, the novel explores the harsh realities of life in the war-torn country and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

    Salva's story, set in 1985, follows his journey as a "Lost Boy" escaping the violence of the Sudanese civil war. The challenges he faces and the determination he exhibits on his arduous trek to find safety and hope are both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The narrative sheds light on the struggles of those forced to flee their homes and the indomitable will to survive against all odds.

    In contrast, Nya's story unfolds in 2008 and focuses on the daily challenges of fetching water for her family. Nya's life is a stark portrayal of the water crisis in Sudan and the lengths people must go to secure this basic necessity. The dual narratives provide a comprehensive view of the impact of conflict and scarcity on different lives across time.

    Linda Sue Park's writing is accessible and emotionally resonant, making the book suitable for a wide range of readers, including young adults. The characters are vividly portrayed, and the alternating perspectives create a powerful narrative that keeps readers engaged.

    Overall, "A Long Walk to Water" is a thought-provoking and educational novel that not only informs readers about the struggles faced by people in Sudan but also inspires compassion and empathy. It serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of access to clean water for communities worldwide.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024
    This was a meaningful read. As a person who loves to learn new things, this story is heartbreaking and uplifting.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2017
    I thought this was a good book, especially for children because it is a quick read. It is classified as a children's book which is what makes it appropriate as far as the length of the book, vocabulary and age group. But overall it lacked some details and could have been longer( they never explained more in depth the reunion between him and his immediate family in Sudan and lacked details about his New York family). It went too much in depth about other things that should not have mattered like the endless descriptions of Nya's walks( hence the title, i know ) but the story is really about him and his incredibly sad struggles, and secondarily, how the lack of water affected people in different areas of Sudan and surrounding areas. The vocabulary is simple enough for children, too simple for adults imo. The constant back and forth references to Nya were eventually necessary in order to make the connection at the end but the way the stories were written was a bit annoying, What I enjoyed most was that it is a true story about perseverance, determination and hope with some miracles thrown in there:) Stories like this teach our youth and people in general that there are more important things than worrying about their electronic devices, name brand clothes and new cars. We take for granted everything that makes our lives so easy but there are millions of people all over the world that struggle to find a sip of water or even a stale piece of bread to eat.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    My book club friend who teaches junior high English recommended "A Long Walk to Water." She has her students read it each year. It is a quick, powerful read. I bought eight copies after reading it to use as gifts. If you (or a teenager you know) want to gain a clear understanding of the difference between first-world and third-world problems , don't miss this book!
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    Such an inspiring book ! Hoping things will improve for poor Sudan soon.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    I am a 6th grader ELA teacher and I read it before doing a unit with my students. Great book!!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    I bought a copy of this book for myself to read at home while my son‘s class read it at school. Great book that opened up dialogue between my son and me. I highly recommend.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • samaneh a
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2024
    I read the book in two settings. Such a great story about southern Sudan and the story of two children from two different tribes in southern Sudan. The story describes difficulties about finding clean water in the village. There are hopes in the story and have a nice ending.
    Remember
    A step at a time
    One problem at a time just figure out this problem
    Keep walking
  • Jussara Berlie
    5.0 out of 5 stars lindo livro
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 6, 2024
    Difícil ler em determinadas parte, pelo sofrimento tão vivido das pessoas. Mas um livro importante e necessário, que descreve uma linda história de superação, dedicação e um olhar para o futuro com coragem e determinação.
  • Jesus de la Vega
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro
    Reviewed in Mexico on August 11, 2022
    Envío en tiempo y forma
    El libro es muy bueno
    Mis recomendaciones para el producto y el envío
  • Mark
    2.0 out of 5 stars Barely found any pages between the covers
    Reviewed in South Africa on October 17, 2024
    No wonder you read the book in 2 days - that's because it's only 4 and a half pages long including the invoice and covers. What an easy pyramid scheme to write a high school essay and publish it as a book to make some tom.
  • Book_withquotes
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Honest Review!
    Reviewed in India on July 25, 2024
    In contrast, Salva’s story begins in 1985, amidst the chaos of the Second Sudanese Civil War. Separated from his family, Salva becomes one of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan, embarking on a perilous journey across the continent. His experiences, from facing armed rebels to surviving encounters with wild animals, highlight the extraordinary resilience and hope required to endure such hardships. Park’s writing is straightforward yet evocative, capturing the essence of their struggles and triumphs. The inclusion of Salva Dut’s real-life story adds a layer of authenticity and depth, making the reader's experience even more impactful.

    "A Long Walk to Water" is more than just a tale of survival; it is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for hope and perseverance. The book’s exploration of themes like displacement, resource scarcity, and the quest for a better future provides valuable lessons for readers of all ages. While targeted at middle-grade readers, the book’s content and themes make it a compelling read for both teens and adults. It encourages empathy and a greater understanding of the global issues surrounding water scarcity and war. This is a must-read for anyone looking to broaden their perspective and gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles faced by children in conflict zones.