A Long Walk to Water Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

A Long Walk to Water questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 18 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   In Chapter 1, how do Nya’s walk and Salva’s day at school both show that life can change quickly?

2. Chapter 2

   Chapter 2 shows Nya dealing with a thorn and Salva being left behind. What do these problems tell you about the challenges each character faces?

3. Chapter 3

   Why do you think the old woman helps Salva but also knows he cannot stay with her? What does this show about life during the war?

4. Chapter 4

   Salva begins traveling with other Dinka people. How does being with a group help him, and what problems can still happen?

5. Chapter 5

   When Nya’s family worries about Akeer being sick, what can you infer about the importance of clean water?

6. Chapter 6

   Salva’s Uncle Jewiir becomes an important person in the group. What character traits does Uncle show, and how does he help Salva?

   Example answer: I think Uncle Jewiir shows bravery, kindness, and leadership. He helps Salva feel safer because he talks to him and watches out for him. Uncle also gives Salva hope when the journey is scary. If I were Salva, I would feel stronger just knowing Uncle was nearby.

7. Chapter 7

   The travelers cross difficult land with little food and water. What words would you use to describe their journey, and why?

8. Chapter 8

   How does the experience of crossing the Nile and reaching the island change Salva’s feelings or hopes?

9. Chapter 9

   In this chapter, Nya’s family must make choices because of illness and water. What do you think the author wants readers to understand about daily life for Nya?

10. Chapter 10

    The group faces the Akobo desert. What prediction can you make about how Salva will keep going, and what clues support your prediction?

11. Chapter 11

    Uncle tells Salva to take the journey one step at a time. How can this advice be a theme for the whole book?

    Example answer: I think this advice is a theme because both Salva and Nya have to keep going even when life is hard. Salva cannot think about the whole long journey at once, or he might give up. Nya also has to walk for water every day, step by step. The book shows that small steps can help people survive big problems.

12. Chapter 12

    After a terrible loss, Salva has to decide how to act. What does his response show about his strength?

13. Chapter 13

    Salva spends years in refugee camps. What does the word refugee mean in this story, and how does it affect Salva’s life?

14. Chapter 14

    As Salva leads many boys toward safety, how is he different from the scared boy at the beginning of the book?

15. Chapter 15

    Nya sees strangers and machines arrive near her village. What do you think they are doing, and why might it matter to her community?

16. Chapter 16

    Salva learns he may go to America. What mixed feelings might he have about leaving Africa and starting a new life?

17. Chapter 17

    Why is it important that Salva wants to help people in Sudan after he has made a new life in America?

18. Chapter 18

    At the end of the book, Nya and Salva’s stories connect. What message do you think the author is sending about hope and helping others?

    Example answer: I think the author’s message is that one person can make a big difference. Salva went through many terrible things, but he did not stop caring about others. When he helps bring clean water to Nya’s village, it changes many lives. This makes me think hope can grow even after very hard times.