Characters
Who is the main character we follow in 1985 Sudan?
Salva
Define rebels.
People who fight against or are not loyal to the government of their country
What interrupts Salva’s school day in Chapter 1?
Gunfire and fighting
What is one way Salva shows perseverance?
He continues walking across the desert even after losing his family, Marial, and his uncle
In what two years and places does the story take place?
1985 Sudan (Salva’s story) and 2008 Sudan (Nya’s story)
What do Salva and Marial have in common when they first meet?
They are both searching for their families
What does gingerly mean, and how might someone walk gingerly?
It means carefully or cautiously — like walking on sharp thorns
Why does Nya walk long distances each day?
To fetch water for her family
What lesson does Nya’s story teach about water?
Access to clean water is a daily struggle and a matter of survival
How does the author describe the challenges of the desert?
It is hot, dry, and relentless, with limited water and dangerous conditions
Who helps Salva survive after Marial disappears?
His uncle Jewiir
What does makeshift mean?
Something temporary or used in place of the usual
What happens to Marial?
He is taken by a lion while the group is traveling
How does Salva change after losing his uncle and friend?
He becomes stronger and more independent, determined to survive
Why is dirty water a danger for Nya’s family?
It causes illness, like Akeer’s sickness
Why does the old woman let Salva stay in her barn, but not travel with her?
She fears soldiers would harm her if they see she is traveling with a boy
What does monotonous mean, and why was Salva’s journey described this way?
Boring or repetitive; walking across endless desert looked the same day after day
What happens to Salva’s uncle at the hands of the men in Chapter 10?
Rebels tie him to a tree and shoot him
How do hope and leadership become themes in Salva’s journey?
He remembers his uncle’s advice, keeps hope alive, and becomes a leader for the Lost Boys
What differences does Salva notice between the fishing village and his own village?
The fishing village has abundant food, unlike the scarcity in his village
How does Uncle Jewiir encourage Salva on their journey across the desert?
He tells Salva to take it “one step at a time” and motivates him to keep going
What does refugee camp mean, and why did Salva stay in one?
A temporary place for people fleeing danger; Salva stayed because of the war in Sudan
Why does the group agree to take Salva with them in Chapter 4?
Because he is Dinka, the same tribe as them, even though some were unsure
What bigger message about survival and community does the author want us to learn from Salva and Nya’s stories?
Survival depends on resilience, hope, and the support of community; small actions can change lives
How does war shape the lives of the characters in the story?
It forces families apart, destroys homes, and creates refugees like Salva