A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story

Linda Sue Park • 2010

Overview

The novel alternates between Nya, a girl in 2008 Sudan who spends her days fetching water, and Salva, a boy in 1985 who becomes one of the "Lost Boys" fleeing civil war. Their separate journeys illuminate endurance, displacement, and the transformative power of water. Grounded in Salva Dut’s actual experiences, the narrative shows how one drilled well can redraw futures. The book is widely used in middle-school curricula to explore refugee realities and global water scarcity.

Who it's for

• Middle-grade readers, ages 10–14
• Educators teaching global citizenship or water issues
• Book clubs seeking concise, discussion-rich nonfiction

Key features

• Language: English
• Based on true events; includes author’s note and resources
• Compact length ideal for classroom study
• Published by Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt