Bern's Bookcase: A Long Walk to Water Book Review

A Long Walk to Water 

is a poignant, touching story for all ages. 

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is technically a middle grade book but in my opinion it is a story that everyone would benefit from reading. It's a short, quick read told as two alternating stories - that of a young girl Nya living in the Sudan in 2008 and a young man Salva from 1985. Both of their stories are unequivocally compelling, emotional and inspirational. 

Nya must walk hours each day to a far away well to simply get water for her family. Salva's story told in turn, is simply heart-wrenching. His village is attacked and he is separated from his family in the turmoil and chaos that follows. Salva's journey is fraught with loss and tragedy but also unwavering hope and courage. It was unimaginable to me to think about the horrors children face when they are displaced from their homes, separated from their families and forced to live in refugee camps. Salva's sheer will to survive was inspirational. I don't know how I'd cope in such a situation but his determination was admirable.  

I loved how these 2 seemingly unconnected stories intertwined poignantly in the end. For a such a short, quick read this book certainly makes an enormous impact. It is difficult not to feel empathy for these characters as we are touched by their stories. This is one story that I highly recommend reading & discussing with the children in your life.