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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I just so happened to pick up this book right after reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It was amazing how well these books paired together. A different road and different struggle, but it was amazing to read these one after another.
This one stays with you. Stayed with my 7th-graders last year, too. More than with any other book I've taught, the kids were emotionally invested here. Most of them read ahead of the class, then read the book over again when the rest of us caught up. Even the bad kids were into it. Park isn't ostentatious or flowery with her writing at all. Her style is so simple it's almost sparse, which is meant as a compliment here. (Incidentally, it's that simple style that has to be at least partly responsible for the kids liking the book so much.) It's especially effective for a story and subject matter like this, which asks for nothing more than the author staying out of the way. Park does that.
Top quotes:
"Would they be lucky again? Or was it their turn to lose someone?"
Top quotes:
"Would they be lucky again? Or was it their turn to lose someone?"
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A quick, easy YA book with an important message—definitely leaves an impression. Perfect for school groups to read.
read this book for class. it was really good i cried
Based on the true story of Salva Dut. Truly inspirational.
If you've ever been overwhelmed by life, it will seem silly compared to what he has survived.
One step at a time, one day at a time
If you've ever been overwhelmed by life, it will seem silly compared to what he has survived.
One step at a time, one day at a time
After reading this book, I immediately went to waterforsouthsudan.org & now I really want to organize an event at our school to benefit Salva's nonprofit organization and sponsor a water well!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Salva and Nye have very different experiences growing up. Salva fled his war-torn village and Nye walks twice a day to the pond near her village for water. We watch their stories side by side, Salva from the 1985 and Nye from 2008. In 2009, their lives intersect in a beautiful way.
This book is a beautiful and easy read for an adult, but the message is heartbreaking and moving and inspiring. Listen to Salva's uncle remind us to take one task, one obstacle, one hard thing at a time! Persist and persevere. Definitely worth the read.
This book is a beautiful and easy read for an adult, but the message is heartbreaking and moving and inspiring. Listen to Salva's uncle remind us to take one task, one obstacle, one hard thing at a time! Persist and persevere. Definitely worth the read.
I'm only giving it 3 stars because I was hoping it was appropriate for my fourth graders. It is not, in my opinion. It is a tough story, appalling and heart-wrenching. I think older students would be a better audience - I should have read reviews before buying it. Most reviews said it was middle school appropriate. My own fault.
On a personal note, I have taught Sudenese students when I taught Adult Basic Education English as a Second Language classes....interestingly enough (to me anyway), the Sudenese that came to my small town are Nuer - the enemies/rivals of the Dinka, Salva's tribe.
On a personal note, I have taught Sudenese students when I taught Adult Basic Education English as a Second Language classes....interestingly enough (to me anyway), the Sudenese that came to my small town are Nuer - the enemies/rivals of the Dinka, Salva's tribe.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No