Chapter 10

In a wild chapter, Salva is first struggling with the fact of surviving with enough water, then it comes down to Uncle stating that he will leave him at the refugee camp and fight back in Sudan.  Then the worst that could be imagined at this point occurs.  How will Salva react to this situation at the end of the chapter?  How will he manage to move on from this point considering these events?

Chapter 9

Now being in the desert, it has turned into a new challenge for Salva and the others.  Why does Uncle stress that Salva should keep his own water for himself?  What is the importance of this point?  How do you think Salva will survive in the desert?

Chapter 8

It seems as if Salva's journey has finally gotten a little better since its beginning.  How do you think the traveling will be as they finish their trip across the second half of the Nile and enter the Akobo Desert?  Do you think the journey becomes easier for them because they have escaped the actual war and battle?

Chapter 7

It finally seems as though some luck maybe headed in a positive direction for Salva.  They are finally making their way across the Nile and getting out of Sudan.  What thoughts might Salva be having considering the point they have made it to, and now the journey they still have ahead of them crossing the Nile, the desert, and then to Ethiopia?

Chapter 6

As this reoccurring feeling of hope rises and falls once again, how might the emotional toll of events be affecting Salva in the long term of surviving the war?  What is implied by "A cold fist seemed to grip Salva's heart" after Uncle says he is sorry to Salva?  Why would might he feel this way?

Chapter 5

Recalling why Salva and the others are moving far away from where they live, what would you do if the group was moving towards out of the country, knowing you may not see your family ever again?  Would you have taken the chance on being stung harshly like the tribe members in order to get the beehive? Explain.

Chapter 4

Knowing that the group Salva is traveling with is "walking to nowhere," when could they reach a safe area?  Do you think the traveling will get any easier moving forward after their discovery, or do you think the journey is just beginning? Explain your thinking.  Why will they feast with finding a beehive?

Chapter 3

Why does Salva feel so alone considering he's only known the woman for five days?  We have seen Salva's hope rise and fall with the events up to this point.  Do you think that these new people to arrive at the barn will be what he needs? Explain.

Chapter 2

Imagine yourself in Salva's "shoes," how would you feel if you had just run away from the awful situation of gun fire at school and ended up in a random location with unfamiliar faces?  What thoughts or emotions would be going through your head if a gun was pointed in your face and you were given direct orders from a soldier?

Chapter 1

What are the issues for which the rebels are fighting the government? What do you think Salva will do with this chaotic scene that has risen?  What would you do?