Characters
Who is Salva’s closest family member he finds in the group?
His uncle.
What country does the story take place in?
Sudan.
Why does Salva run from school?
Gunfire breaks out during the war.
What theme is shown when Salva keeps walking despite exhaustion?
Perseverance in the face of hardship.
What is the meaning of the following quote: “Just one step at a time.”?
Focus on small goals instead of the whole journey.
Why does Salva want to act “like a man”?
He believes men do not show fear and wants to be brave.
Why are people fleeing their villages?
The war.
Why does the old woman leave her home?
The water nearby dried up.
What theme is shown when villagers flee their homes?
The innocent are never safe from the impact of war.
How does the war force Salva to grow up quickly?
He must survive without parents and make adult decisions.
Why does the group hesitate to take Salva?
He is young and might slow them down.
Why is the group walking toward Ethiopia?
To find safety from the war.
Why do many villagers (including Salva) get sick after eating the meat?
Starvation shrunk their stomachs and they ate too much.
What theme is shown by Salva's desire to find his family?
Love, hope, and resilience.
Compare one struggle Nya faces to one struggle Salva faces.
Nya struggles for water; Salva struggles for safety from war.
What does Salva’s uncle teach him about surviving long journeys?
Focus on one small step at a time.
How does the desert act as an enemy in the story?
Heat, hunger, thirst, and exhaustion threaten survival.
Why does Nya’s sister become sick?
She drank dirty water.
What theme is shown by the relationship between Dinka and Nuer tribes?
Tribal conflict can last generations.
What is the meaning of this quote: “It was not a good idea to be alone.”?
Survival depends on community and safety in numbers.
What does Nya’s daily walk reveal about her life?
She spends hours getting water, showing hardship and lack of resources.
Why don’t villagers simply move closer to water?
Land ownership, tribal boundaries, and limited resources prevent it.
How does Salva feel when he finds his uncle?
He is happy, gains hope, and feels protected. But is also sad because he still hasn't found his family.
What theme is shown by Nya’s family continued search for clean water even when it is difficult?
Survival requires determination and hope.
Why is hope important for survival in this novel?
Without hope, characters would give up walking and trying to survive.