Nya´s Long Walk: a Step at a Time (Review #2), written by Linda Sue Park, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Josephine L.
Summary: Taking place in an African village, Nya is given the job of retrieving water for the other people in the village. Given that it is very far away Nya must go through may difficult tasks in order to complete her tasks. For example, Nya had to carry her sister for some of the distance. Due to all of this, Nya dreads getting the water and the journey seems long and impossible. However, by breaking up the task into smaller segments, Nya makes everything more enjoyable. She looks at the trees and bushes on the way as checkpoints, viewing the journey as a bunch of small ones combined.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This story shows how even during tough times there are always positives. Teachers could read this book to students to teach them about other cultures. Elements such as what life is like in Africa and the sense of community is shown. Things that are often taken for granted, such as water, is shown as the valuable resource it is, gaining respect within the readers. Additionally, a positive message is shown taught to younger students. Even though the majority of the readers cannot relate to Nya's task, they can incorporate her ideas into their own lives. Learning early on that tasks are as bad as you make them, teaches students to always have a positive outlook. I would recommend this book because along with the simplistic artwork and interesting plot, a clear message is shown.