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Reading age
10+
Genre
Realistic fiction
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
October 4, 2011
This is a powerful and moving story of a girl and a boy, separated by different eras, in their fight for survival.
In 1985, a war was brewing in Sudan between the fiercely independent Southern Sudan and Muslim Northern Sudan. One day, while at school, young Salva was forced to run due to gunfire from the soldiers. Lost and frightened, Salva will have to do what it takes to survive and find the rest of his family. In 2008, Nya must fetch water for her family to survive. With these many hardships in their way, will Salva and Nya endure them and be successful in the end?
This quick read is based on a true story. I discovered what it was like in Sudan in 1985 and 2008. The descriptions of the wildlife there were terrific. The food they found was intriguing; I was interested in how they used it for many needs as they went about their journey.
Salva is one of the bravest characters I know. Given the bloodshed and difficulties, he bravely kept his chin up and moved toward his goal. Nya was also courageous and very obedient. She would do anything for her family, which I loved about her.
This book was very moving overall and taught me many things. I recommend this book to African History enthusiasts and people who love a good survival story.
My rating
About the author
“Linda Sue Park received the 2002 Newbery Medal for A Single Shard. In addition to novels, she has written picture books and poetry for young readers. Before turning to children’s books, she worked as a journalist, a food critic, and a teacher of English as a second language. She lives with her family in Rochester, New York.” – Book Depository.
