Vocabulary
"Salva held his breath as he scanned the faces, one by one. Strangers. No one from his family." What is the meaning of the word scanned as used in the sentences above?
Examined; to look at
Why are Buksa and Salva excited to find the beehive?
Because they think it will provide them with food for the time being
Do you think that people of the Dinka tribe can follow the call of the honey guide bird like the Jur-chol tribe can? Why or why not?
The people of the Dinka tribe can probably not follow the call of the honey bird since Buksa was the only one who could hear it. No other Dinka people left to find the birds.
In what region (North, South, East of West) of Africa does the story take place?
Northeast Africa
What is a main idea of a story? What does main idea mean?
the central point or thought the author wants to communicate to readers
Nya’s job at the lake camp was the same as at home: to fetch water. What does fetch mean as used in this sentence?
To get and to bring back
Why did the men and women allow Salva to go with them?
Because he was a member of the Dinka tribe
What can you infer was the reason that Nya did not tell her mom what she was thinking—that taking her little sister with her to the pond to get water would slow her down?
It might not have affected the problem since her little sister, Akeer, would have to learn how to get water at some point
How does the culture in Sudan apply to Nya’s story?
In Sudanese culture males go to school and females work in the home and fetch water.
What is the main idea of Salva’s story in chapter 4?
1) Hunger can be a serious problem during wartime.
2) Safety can be found easier in large groups.
3) During difficult times there are still people who show kindness.
4) People need to learn how to depend on themselves.
During difficult times there are still people who show kindness
"The terrain changed from scrub to woodland; they walked among stunted trees." What is the meaning of the word terrain as used in the sentence above?
The features of a particular piece of land
Why did Nya and her family only live by the lake for five months a year?
Because it is more dangerous. They only go because their normal source is dried up.
Do you think Salva wants to go to Ethiopia? Why or why not?
Salva does not want to go to Ethiopia because he fears he will never see his family again
Why is the time period Salva lives in important to the story?
Explains the problems Salva is facing during the Civil War
What is the main idea of Salva’s story in chapter 5?
1) Walking for long distances can wear a person down.
2) Finding food when you're hungry is a great treat.
3) Even during hard times there can be positives.
4) When people travel together they are safer.
Even during hard times there can be positive experiences.
Read these sentences from the text: "They had no house and had to sleep in makeshift shelters." Which does makeshift mean?
A temporary substitute; sufficient for the time being.
Why did Salva regret eating the topi so quickly?
His stomach gets upset and he throws up because he hasn't eaten in days
In Nya’s story, why did the author ask, “or was it their turn to lose someone?”
Nya's mother fears that her family may be hurt by the Dinka tribe.
Why do you think that the Nuer tribe and the Dinka tribe fought over the land surrounding the lake?
There might not be any other water around so they have to share resources
What is the main idea of Salva’s story in chapter 6?
1) Refugees in war who have been starving should not eat meat.
2) Relatives are good providers.
3) Refugees should have weapons.
4) Refugees endure hard times during war.
Refugees endure hard times and sadness during war.
Read these sentences from the passage: "The group got a little bigger with each passing day. More people joined them—people who had been walking alone or in little clusters of two or three." Give a word that has the same meaning as clusters.
Groups
How did Nya’s mother feel about living at the lake camp?
She hates it because she is nervous that someone in her family will be hurt
The text says, “A cold fist seemed to grip Salva’s heart? What can you infer this means? (Chapter 6)
Salva feels emotional at the realization that Marial may be gone
Do you think the land of the Atuot is a safe place to travel through? Why or why not?
Probably not as it is the land of the lions
How is author's choice related to main idea?
The author chooses what main idea they want to impart on the reader through their writing