A Long Walk to Water was a poignant, touching story that will appeal to readers of all ages.

While technically a middle grade novel, this is a story that everyone would benefit from reading. It's a quick read, told as two alternating stories - that of a young girl Nya in the Sudan in 2008 and a young man Salva in 1985. Both of their stories are compelling, emotional and inspirational.

Nya must walk hours each day to a far away well to get water for her family. Salva's story is heart-wrenching. His village is attacked and he is separated from his family. Salva's journey is fraught with loss, tragedy, unwavering hope and courage. It was unimaginable to me to think about the horrors children face when they are displaced from their homes, separated from their families and in refugee camps. Salva's sheer will to survive was inspirational. I don't know how I'd cope in such a situation.

I loved how these two seemingly unconnected stories intertwined in the end. What the book lacks in pages it makes up for in impact. It is impossible not to feel empathy for the characters within these pages and be moved by their stories. This is one book I highly recommend reading & discussing with all the important children in your life.