A Long Walk to Water Lesson Plan

Why are Marial and Salva drawn to each other?

Marial and Salva are the same age, which is the first thing that draws them together. They also have both lost their families. Though the book does not mention it explicitly, readers can assume that Marial and Salva have faced similar difficulties as children in the traveling groups. People assume that they will be difficult and slow the group down, so they are ignored and ostracized. They can bond over this and the shared trauma of being separated from their families. Even though their situation is bleak, the boys can find reasons to laugh together, which lightens their loads.

What does Nya's family do for water during...