A Long Walk to Water

Name: A Long Walk to Water
Author: Linda Sue Park

Safe for the age band

Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.

Published: 2010
Ages: 10–14

About the book

The stories of two young people in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a 'lost boy' in 1985.

AI summary

The stories of two young people in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a 'lost boy' in 1985.

Why parents choose this book

What makes A Long Walk to Water worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 10–14 (fits siblings across a range).
Reading maturity: Middle grade — richer plots and vocabulary with age-appropriate themes.
Kids who tend to love it: Historical Fiction.
Personality fit: kids ages 10–14 who enjoy a good story.

Parents love this book because

Age-appropriate content for the 10–14 band with no significant flags.
Written by Linda Sue Park, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy A Long Walk to Water if they…

Are curious about history

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 10–14 age band.

Things parents should know

Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

Varies by reader

Length

Length varies by edition

Difficulty

Middle grade

Works as read-aloud

Usually read independently

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We think A Long Walk to Water is a confident pick for the 10–14 age band. It leans into historical fiction in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Linda Sue Park's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.