Published by Clarion Books on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 132878133X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
Although similar to other picture books about African children having to walk to get water, this story adds suspense of the little sister falling ill during the walk. Set in Sudan, fictional Nya represents many real villagers’ struggles for safe drinking water.
Brian Pinkney’s signature sweeping, swirling full-color illustrations intensify the emotion and sense of the dry, hot land.
This could be paired with Christine Ieronimo’s “ A Thirst for Home” (2014); William Kamkwamba’s “Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” (2012); Herb Shoveller’s “Ryan and Jimmy and the Well That Brought them Together (2006); or Susan Verde’s “The Water Princess” (2016). For libraries owning these titles, “Nya’s Long Walk” would be an additional purchase.
Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town.