Characters
This character is a young boy forced to flee his village due to war in the beginning of the story.
Who is Salva?
The country where Salva's village is located.
What is Sudan?
The main reason Salva is separated from his family at the beginning of the book.
What is war?
Salva's recurring thought that keeps him going during difficult times.
What is "I need to keep going"?
Strangely or mysteriously frightening
What is eerie?
This character is a young girl who spends much of her time fetching water for her family.
Who is Nya?
The refugee camp where Salva spends several years.
What is Kakuma?
The dangerous animals that inhabit the river Salva and his group must cross.
What are crocodiles?
The eventual positive change that comes to Nya's village at the end of the story.
What is a well/access to clean water?
Intensely hot
This character is Salva's uncle who provides guidance and protection during part of his journey.
Who is Uncle Jewiir?
The river that Salva and his group must cross, facing dangers like crocodiles.
What is the Gilo River?
The reason that Nya's sister is sick
What is dirty water?
Salva's determination to learn English and adapt to a new culture.
What is his perseverance/willingness to learn?
Calm and unemotional
What is stoic?
This character is a kind aid worker who helps Salva learn English and eventually go to America.
Who is Michael?
The country where Salva finally finds a permanent home after leaving the refugee camps.
What is the United States?
The difficult geographical feature that Salva's group must traverse for days without much water.
What is the Akobo Desert?
The organization Salva eventually starts to help the people of South Sudan.
What is Water for South Sudan?
Misery or hopelessness
This character is Nya's younger brother who becomes sick due to the contaminated water.
Who is Akeer?
The village where Nya and her family live and struggle to find clean water.
What is Nya's village?
The emotional struggle Salva faces after losing a significant protector on his journey.
What is grief/loss/sadness?
The connection that is revealed between Salva and Nya at the end of the book, showing the impact of Salva's work.
What is that Salva's organization drilled the well in Nya's village?
Careful watchfulness or attention
What is Vigilance?