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.

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 …

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.  

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett

"It turned out she was." 

Happy, that is. 

This is a simple story of imagination and sharing.  Annabelle is a young girl who discovers a box, a box filled with yarn.  After she knits herself a sweater, and one for her dog, she begins to spread this simple gesture of knitting towards others.  Before long, Annabelle has also knit sweaters for animals, and even inanimate objects in her community.  She has turned the dark, gloomy winter scenery into a bright and colorful scene.  Her "extra yarn" has transformed the landscape into something "extra beautiful."  But along comes temptation: an archduke who offers Annabelle a good deal of money to purchase her magical box of yarn.  She turns him down.  Eventually, Annabelle's box is stolen and yet the archduke is unable to harness the magic of the "extra yarn." This tale teaches us to use our simple resources, such as "extra yarn," to create simple beauty for those around us.

I think Mac Barnett uses a young girl's simplicity to teach us the value of generosity.  She is giving and unending in her creations for others.  The archduke represents greediness, which the young girl does not give in to.  Her simple gifts remind the reader that something so small can brighten a gloomy day.  I also think this story epitomizes the role of imagination in our lives. How we look at things around us can transform their potential.  A simple box of yarn -- Annabelle imagines much more from the colorful string of fibers.  A cardboard box -- perhaps a young child can build a puppet theater? A paper plate -- perhaps the beginning of an exquisite top hat? The imagination is the birth of creativity, but we must look around us for objects and ways to grow such possibilities!

I would certainly recommend this picture book to young readers who are learning to see the world around them in thoughtful and creative ways.  Also, for adults who need to be reminded of how simple pleasures can yield large results.  Another great reason to pick up this picture book is to look at the illustrations and use of color.  As I was reading, I noticed how beautifully the color in the illustrations aligned with the meaning of the text on the page.  Annabelle is a character that I think most readers can relate to, someone who can look around the house and pick up something simple on a "boring afternoon," and let the imagination run wild! The book jacket reads: for ages 4-8, but I think the message can apply to a wider audience.

This story, Extra Yarn, was recognized as:

• a Caldecott Honor medal
• the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
• New York Times bestseller
• E.B. White Read-Aloud Award