Analyze the Geography

Both Nya and Salva experience extreme difficulties in their life, and many of them have a connection to geography. Find a specific example from the text that shows how challenging their geography is. Cite the passage and explain how their geography impacts their lives.

Community Awareness

Water is central to everyone’s life, and both Nya and Salva have a deep connection to it. Consider the well at the end of the book. In addition to providing clean water and schooling opportunities, how else will the well benefit the community?

Salva's New Challenges

Salva experiences a number of joys and challenges when he arrives to the United States. Reflect on his new life and explain a) a difficulty he faced, and b) a way you think the community could have better helped him with this. Cite a specific example from the text.

Water Connection

Water: Last year’s middle school theme was water. Find a specific passage from this text that taught you more about the world’s water needs. Explain what you learned and connect it to last year’s World, Language, and Culture Week.

Select a Passage

Select a passage or idea from the book that resonated with you. Be sure to indicate which chapter the passage or idea appears in. Explain why you selected the passage or idea that you chose. What can your classmates learn from examining this part of the book?