A Long Walk to Water

Chapters 1-2

READING CHECK

1. Of the two protagonists we follow in Chapters 1 and 2, whose story takes place in 2008?

Answer: Nya’s

Discussion Suggestion: Use this question to introduce discussion on the concept of a dual narrative. What differences exist in the reading experience with a dual narrative compared to a single narrative? What early takeaways can we discern from the narratives’ comparative lengths and voices in these first chapters?

2. What injury does Nya sustain while walking?

Answer: a thorn in her heel

QUIZ

1. Why does Salva take Arabic classes?

A) It is the language of the local tribes.

B) It is the ancient language of former generations.

C) It is the language the government wants them to learn.

D) It is a language common to Nuer and Dinka tribes.

2. Before he flees as a refugee, how does Salva spend his days?

A) He attends school, helps keep watch over his family’s herd, and practices shooting arrows.

B) He walks for water twice daily for his family at a nearby pond, which takes many hours.

C) He trains to someday join the local tribes’ combined rebel group, despite his age.

D) He attends classes in the morning, but he must leave school to walk for water in the afternoons.

3. What is the cause of the war between the government in the north and the rebels in the south?

4.