A Long Walk to Water

A Long Walk to Water
by Linda Sue Park

This chapter book is based on the true story of two young people, struggling to survive in their circumstances in Sudan. Nya is a young girl who fetches water for her family every day, and makes an eight hour walk each day to do so. Salva has fled his war-torn village and is on a journey to find a safe place to settle. In this historical fiction piece, told in two different "parallel stories," the setting has a huge impact on the lives of Salva (1985) and Nya (2008).  Click HERE to listen to the author and her friend, Salva, discuss the truths behind the story. 

Author Linda Sue Park manages to show the inner strength and mindset of these two strong individuals living in different generations, but facing similar struggles around water. The constant self-talk and personal determination was inspiring to me. "One step at a time. One problem at a time -- just figure out this one problem." (p. 110) The theme of hope is woven throughout the text, throughout the tales of these two youngsters. In fact, at times, I believe it is what keeps these young survivors going from day to day, step by step. However, the hope alone was another struggle -- to hope or not to hope? On page 89 Park describes Salva's inner battle with hope, "He tried not to lose hope. At the same time, he tried not to hope too much. Sometimes he felt he was being torn in two by the hoping and the not hoping." But for the majority of the book, it was as if the walking alone gave a steady purpose. Each step was a sign of hope away from danger, or towards somewhere safer. 

Because A Long Walk to Water takes on two different time periods (1980's war-torn Sudan and 2008 village life) I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Sudanese culture, then and now. The book shares some of the customs and rituals of the Dinka and Nuer tribes, and explains their historical differences as well. Although all Sudanese, the different tribes do not all share the same beliefs. Different scar markings indicate tribal affiliations. But honestly, I found myself wanting to know even more about these two different cultures -- the lives of Nya and Salva inspired me to expand my own knowledge of a different country in Sudan. It is not enough to have travelled to Kenya this past summer, this book sparked an interest in life in Sudan. There is much to be learned about the lives of the Lost Boys, but also of Sudanese culture then and now. 

Traditional Dinka markings

Traditional Nuer markings

Just a few of the Lost Boys "survivors," -- years later.

From this story I have learned to treasure the gifts that come so easily to me -- like running water and the many conveniences in my life. Simple things like having the freedom to drive, the freedom to practice my own religious beliefs, the freedom to walk if I choose. In fact, I will choose walking more often now.

Want to know more about Salva and the history of the Lost Boys? Click HERE.
Check out this 60 Minutes video that follows the Lost Boys. Click HERE.
Watch The Lost Boys documentary on iTunes. For more information, click HERE.
Learn more from these Blendspace activities. Click HERE.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Have you heard of William Kamkwamba? If you haven't, you need to. 

As a young boy growing up in Malawi, William was like kids all around the world. He was curious. He was a dreamer. He was torn between family, school, and struggles of everyday life. But in some ways, William was NOT like kids all around the world. He was trying to survive during a severe famine. He had to watch his community compete for limited resources. And he had to try and stay positive in the face of difficult challenges.

As I read this novel, I was constantly drawing comparisons between life growing up as a student in America. It was interesting to see how Pleasanton children are the same -- love of soccer, helping at home with chores. In contrast, students in Pleasanton do not have to watch their pets become skin and bones with no food, or drop out of school due to money.

William learned to teach himself by reading book after book at the local library. Although he could not afford to attend primary school formally, his ability to educate himself informally is quite commendable! I wish that other students would pour over words in books, build sample projects, and talk out their ideas with a friend (for William, that friend was Geoffrey).

Ironically, William was able to build a windmill to harness the wind and create electricity. He brought light to his home and village. But I think he brought LIGHT to us all in other ways!

Although this book was incredibly inspiring, so is watching William share his story in this TED talk.

I hope other young readers and inventors around the world are inspired by William's story. 

He was curious, driven, and persistent. 

When others doubted him, William stayed true to his dream. 

Dreams do come true, with a little effort!

As William says, "If you try, you will make it."

Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting

In Eve Bunting’s story, Fly Away Home, the focus is on how to define a home.  Andrew, a young boy, is sharing experiences about how to survive, and live, in an airport.  The author conveys the idea that home can be defined in different ways, and home is basically wherever your family is.  

I think settling into a home is the central theme because Bunting expresses their family journey to settle in to the airport, making it their “home.”

The title, Fly Away Home, is one way that the author suggests that this is the theme.  But it wasn’t until the bird enters the story that the title becomes more clear.  When a bird flies into the main airport terminal, and is stuck trying to get back out, Andrew whispers to the bird, “fly, bird, fly away home!”  This part of the text shows Andrew’s belief that the bird can find its way “home.” His encouraging words to the bird make me think that he believes the same for himself.  When he silently whispers “Don’t stop trying” and “Don’t! You can get out!” I think Andrew is trying to convince himself that he will also make it out of the airport, into another “home.”  His desire to see the bird fly free shows his desire to free himself and his dad from living in the airport.

Although Andrew wishes for the bird to fly away home, I think Bunting also shows that he and his dad are able to make the airport a “home,” too.  The author describes the ways in which he and his dad have made the airport feel more home-like.  For example, they learn when and how to sleep.  They also learn to befriend another family living in the airport, like neighbors.  The other family looks out for Andrew, and they take care of one another in the same way neighbors would do.  Another example from the text is … This text helps me to reshape my own values on what makes a home.  How we define “home” can vary in different ways.  Is home a place we lay our heads? Is home a place we co-exist with others? Is home a place we …

The Pain and the Great One

In Judy Blume’s text, The Pain and The Great One, the stories are told from two different perspectives. This is a perfect story to show how narrator's point of view can have a strong impat on how the story is told!

“The Pain” refers to a little brother, a first grade sibling, who is considered annoying to the older sister.  She even gives reasons defending why he is such a “pain,” including how he is never ready in time, he picks his food at dinner, and makes a mess in the bathroom. By the end of the story she declares that her parents must “love him better than me.” 

“The Great One” is told from the younger brother’s perspective.  As the narrator, he shares his frustrations with his older sister.

Dig deeper:

Click HERE for digital read aloud on Vimeo.

Explore the work of Judy Blume by clicking HERE.

Five Dollars by Jean Little

In Jean Little’s short story, Five Dollars, the narrator is struggling to deal with a decision made awhile back.  The narrator has taken a five dollar bill from his mother’s purse, and months later is still trying to decide if he should return it or confess and share the truth.  What is remarkable about this short piece of text is that we see the narrator’s inner struggle and inner journey through the development of each paragraph.  Although this story is only five paragraphs long, I think the author is able to convey the theme of guilt by taking the reader through those inner thoughts and feelings.  

In the first paragraph, the narrator shares that this event happened “a long time ago.” The purpose of paragraph one is to get the reader thinking that the character does not even really remember “why” the $5 was taken.  In the second paragraph, the narrator is sharing the honest attempt at trying to return the money.  By the third paragraph, the narrator is beginning to express signs of guilt.  I think the character feels bad, because the text says that he was thinking about that $5 “in bed at night” and even in “school.” Those feelings of guilt were distracting.  The fourth paragraph is written to show how the narrator is conflicted.  Returning the money “when she won’t notice,” but wanting to spend the $5 sounds enticing too.  Finally, by the end of the story, the narrator is convinced that confessing to Mother is the right thing to do, and he wishes it was over.  Doing the right thing is not always easy, and I’m glad the narrator realizes that the truth will eventually help him to let go of the guilt from “a long time ago.”  Because all of the paragraphs help us to understand the inner journey the character faces from taking that $5, I think the overall theme of the story is to face your guilt.

Each Kindness

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

"This is what kindness does, 
Each little thing we do goes out, like a ripple, into the world." 

What a profound story about spreading (or not spreading) kindness.  Maya is a new student, new to a school filled with students who are not willing to welcome her in.  Chloe and her classmates turn down Maya's countless attempts to play, to initiate conversation, and to become friends. Eventually, Maya does not show up to school. Ever again.  Meanwhile, Ms. Albert, the teacher, holds a lesson on how kindness can spread like the ripples in water.  This lesson on kindness has a huge impact on Chloe.  She reflects, and reflects, and reflects some more.  Chloe comes to realize that she has so many things she wishes to do differently with Maya: things she would have said differently and ways she would have handled the relationship differently.  In the end, Chloe does not have a chance to mend her relationship with Maya, or to take advantage of a missed opportunity at friendship.  Maya never returns to school.  However, the last scene of the book shows Chloe reflecting on how "the chance of a kindness with Maya became more and more forever gone." So, is it sad that Chloe misses an opportunity? Or will Chloe take this lesson and apply to all future relationships?

I love this story because it reminds us just how powerful simple gestures be. A small gesture can hurt someone's feelings, or build someoe up to feel better about themselves. I think .. One part I really love is ... 

Jacqueline Woodson has become one of my favorite authors of all time. I recently read her latest book, Brown Girl Dreaming, and was blown away by her ability to say so much without saying much at all. Her ability to reveal bits of history that deserve to be told, while also sharing personal stories is a true gift. 
Accolades for Brown Girl Dreaming: 
NPR article
New York Times article

Please do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK. It will make you a better person. 

The Marble Champ by Gary Soto

“Just think of the marbles, not the girl, and let your thumb do the work,” her father encouraged. The Marble Champ is a short story about a girl, Lupe, who is determined to win in something other than “school.” She wanted to prove to herself, and others, that she could be a winner in something other than academics.  However, she was not athletic in any way. So, Lupe decided to train for the Marble Championship, which was only two weeks away. After her continued hard work, practicing, building up her thumb muscle she was ready.  Her parents were surprised that she was taking on an “athletic” challenge, but supported her in the competition.  Finally, Lupe wins the Fresno Marble Championship!


“Practice, practice, practice. Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze.” It is so obvious that Lupe is determined to win the Marble Championship.  But, it is even more clear that winning that competition means more to her, she is determined to be good at something new.  Her determination is evident in how hard she works.  She strengthens her thumb by squeezing erasers, she competes with neighborhood kids (Alfonso) to practice, and she even strengthens her wrists.  Lupe shows her personal determination by staying focused, even when others doubt her abilities to be good at something other than school.  


“Some people succeed because they are destined, but others because they are determined.”  This quote captures the spirit of the theme from The Marble Champ.  Lupe shows how hard work and commitment can drive a determined person to success! Another short story that addresses the theme of determination is __________.  This text tackles the same theme, but the author does it in a slightly different way.