A Long Walk To Water By Linda Sue Park

1340 Words3 Pages

Salva Dutt is just one of the many lost boys traveling from Southern Sudan to safety in hopes of escaping the 2nd Sudanese civil war. Unlike many of the lost boys, Salva survived the challenges in Southern Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya, and eventually made it to safety in America. In the book A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park, the main character Salva is growing up in the middle of the second Sudanese Civil War. Salva escapes the war when it comes to his village, but soon faces other struggles along the way; he is all alone with no family, and is not sure where he is going or how he is going to escape the hostile environment of Southern Sudan and survive the war. Along the way, Salva met others who were able to help him make it to safety. …show more content…

One of the times we can see this is when Salva is nervous being all alone; he is traveling in a group with others but knows none of the people. He is longing to find his family, or at least someone he knows. Salva doesn't find his family, but does find someone who is able to help him, Buksa. Buksa manages to find some of their first food, honey. The author describes this moment when it says, “Buksa's smile is even bigger now. ‘you see that?’ He pointed up at the branches of the tree. The ‘Beehive’ is a snare. A fine large one.’ Honey! This night they will feast!’”( Park, 24). Salva’s friend provided him and others with relief by finding them food- honey, Salva would have starved otherwise if it weren't for Buksa being able to find them honey to eat.Later on Salva meets Another friend named Mariel. Mariel keeps Salva company since he has no family and Buksa appears to be gone now. “I’m Salva.’ ‘I’m Mariel.’ It was good to make a friend. Mariel put his arm around Salva’s shoulders. He seemed to know what Salva was thinking.” (Park, 30). Having a friend is nice because it provides you with someone who can help you and keep you company in hard times. Mariel sensed that Salva was feeling upset, so he put his arm around him. Staying calm is important in tough situations, and friends can help you do that. Salva's friends were just one of the factors that made …show more content…

Reading is a very important skill in life. At times, it can be a huge part of survival. Which is why it was very important that Salva met Michal and was able to learn English,“. Michal spoke to Salva. ‘You seem interested in learning English,’ he said. ‘How’d you like to learn to read?’( Park, 86). This quote shows that friends, family, or other people you know can help with survival. Learning to read is very important because if you don't know how to read you won't be able to read signs, or know the laws, it is also important to be able to speak English. If you can’t you won't be able to communicate with others. Knowing how to read is also a way to find out good news and know where you are going and what to do, if Salva did not know how to read he would never know he was going to New York. “The aid worker explained this to Salva and the eight other boys he would be traveling with. The women spoke mostly English”,(Park, 91). If Salva did not know English, he would never have been able to understand the directions the women were giving Salva and the other refugees. It was important that Salva knew what to do so he could get to the U.S. safely and finally escape the danger of Southern Sudan. As you can see, Michal made survival possible for Salva by teaching him to read and speak English. If it weren't for Michal, Salva would never have made it to his new

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