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Cherished by millions of readers, this #1 New York Times best-selling novel is a powerful tale of perseverance and hope. Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park interweaves the stories of two Sudanese children who overcome mortal dangers to improve their lives and the lives of others.

A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way. Includes an afterword by author Linda Sue Park and the real-life Salva Dut, on whom the novel is based, and who went on to found Water for South Sudan.

In the scorching African heat, Salva Dut Ariik, an eleven-year-old boy, witnesses the horrors of civil war in his homeland, Sudan. His village is attacked, and he is forced to embark on a perilous journey in search of safety.

With only his wits and unwavering determination, Salva treks through treacherous terrain, enduring unimaginable hardships. Along his arduous path, he encounters other refugees, both young and old, who have also been displaced by the conflict.

As Salva and his newfound companions face starvation, disease, and the constant threat of violence, they find solace in their shared stories of resilience and hope. Their extraordinary journey takes them across rivers and deserts, through refugee camps and war zones, as they search for a place to call home.

"A Long Walk to Water" is a captivating and emotionally charged tale based on true events. Author Linda Sue Park deftly weaves Salva's harrowing experiences with the inspiring story of Nya, a young girl living in a Sudanese village decades later.

Nya's narrative highlights the enduring impact of the civil war on future generations. She dreams of going to school and having access to clean water, two things that many take for granted. Her story serves as a reminder of the global water crisis and the importance of education.

Through the lives of Salva and Nya, "A Long Walk to Water" sheds light on the devastating consequences of war and celebrates the indomitable spirit of those who survive. It is a poignant reminder of the power of hope and the importance of working towards a better future for all.