This story takes place in Sudan. Sudan is in Africa. And it does not take place back in the olden days, the time period for this story is in your parents' lifetime. There are two characters whose lives we follow: Salva, a young boy escaping violence in Southern Sudan; and Nye, a young girl also living in Southern Sudan. Salva is a real person. This is his life. Salva was sitting in class, when fighting rebels close to the school caused students to run for their lives, resulting in Salva being separated from everyone he knew. Nye doesn't go to school because she spends much of her day collecting water.
I learned a lot reading this short book and am glad it is on the Maud Hart Lovelace list of Nominees for Division II readers. I would encourage readers in Grades 4 and up to read this too. It is always good to know how kids around the world live their lives and to remind ourselves of all the blessings we have. This book is such an inspiring story — the world needs more Salvas.
