Eleven-year-old Salva was sitting in his classroom, half-listening to his teacher but thinking of home time, when the gunfire started. The students were told to run and hide in the bushes. He never got home to his family and didn’t see his village again for over 20 years.

This slimmish novel is based on the true story of Salva Dut, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. In alternating chapters, two stories unfold: one of a boy’s terrible hardships and struggle for survival in war-time, the other of a young Sudanese village girl whose days are spent walking to collect water, till some strangers arrive to dig a well. And here the two stories meet. An eye-opening and inspiring story for 10 to 14 year olds – both good readers and less enthusiastic ones – who enjoy realistic fiction.