Characters
Who is the main character?
Salva
Where does Salva live?
Southern Sudan
What is a major theme of the book?
Survival and resilience.
What event causes Salva to flee?
The outbreak of war in Sudan.
A person who has been forced to leave their country due to war or persecution.
What is "refugee"?
What is Salva's friend’s name?
Marial
What year does Salva's story start?
1985
How does perseverance show in Salva's journey?
Salva continues to move forward despite obstacles and setbacks.
How does Nya's story differ from Salva's?
Nya's story focuses on her daily struggle for water, while Salva’s is about survival and finding safety.
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
What is "drought"?
Who is Nya's sister?
Akeer
Describe the environment Nya lives in.
Nya lives in a village in Sudan with limited access to water.
Why is water important in the story?
Water represents life and survival for both Nya and Salva.
What is the main conflict in Salva's story?
The struggle to survive against the dangers of war and nature.
A barren or empty landscape with little life.
What is "desolate"?
What role does Uncle have? (page 34)
He becomes Salva's guardian.
What challenges does Salva face in the desert?
Lack of water, hunger, and fear of abandonment. (and lions)
What does family mean to Nya?
Family means safety, support, and love.
How does Salva's journey change him?
He grows from a scared boy to a determined leader.
A social group consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, or political ties.
What is a "tribe"?
How is honey discovered along Salva's journey?
Buksa followed the call of the honey guide bird.
How does the setting affect the characters’ lives?
The harsh environment leads to struggles for survival and affects their ability to find water and safety.
How do hope and despair contrast in the story?
Characters experience moments of hope in dire situations, highlighting their resilience.
What tragedy occurs at the end of chapter 6?
A lion takes Salva's friend Marial while they are sleeping.
The act of continuing to live or exist, especially in difficult conditions.
What is "survival"?