Response Question: what the What is

In Chapter XXV, Valentino has a conversation over CB radio with his father. Reread this section. Based on the conversation, what do you think Valentino's father thinks "the What" is? And how does this compare with your first ideas about "the What"? Do you think Valentino's father is giving him good advice by telling him to go get the What?

Response Question: Outside Influences on Sudan

In Chapter XXIII, the Japanese aid worker Noriyaki is approached by a refugee who mistakes him for being Malaysian and/or Chinese, and accuses his government of "making this war worse."

These issues are still big in the news today. Determine what the refugee's complaint was, and then search on the internet for a news article linking China and/or Malaysia with Sudan. Post the website, and explain briefly what you learned and whether you think these countries are ethical in their dealings with Sudan.

A good place to look for news articles is Google News Search:

http://news.google.com/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn

Response Question: Help from the UNHCR

In his time at the Kakuma refugee camp, Valentino hears and thinks different things about the UNHCR -- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This is the group that is running the camp and providing food; they are still running camps today for refugees from Sudan (as well as other operations around the world.)

Consider the policies and procedures at Kakuma when Valentino is there. Then read about the UNHCR's program to bring the Sudanese back to their homeland:

http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/southsudan

What do you think about the UNHCR? Are they effective? Give specific examples about why you think the Sudanese refugees are better or worse off with the help of the UN.

Podcast of Lecture w/ Valentino & Dave

In case you didn't make it to the closing lecture of the One Book One Philadelphia campaign, the Free Library of Philadelphia has made it available as a podcast! Listen for Mayor Nutter's introduction!

Part of the 2008 One Book, One Philadelphia program, featured authors Dave Eggers and Mary Williams, with special guest Valentino Achak Deng, discuss the development of What Is the What. Williams played an important role in Deng's transition to life in the United States, introducing him to Eggers. Deng, who recently returned from a trip to Sudan, also shares an overview of his ongoing work to rebuild Marial Bai, the town he was forced to flee during the Second Sudanese Civil War.

http://libwww.freelibrary.org/podcast/?podcastID=77

Helpful Reader's Guide

In addition to the materials from the Free Library of Philadelphia, The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation has a "Reader's Guide" available for download on their website. It includes:

- A helpful list of different character and place names (and how they relate to each other)
- A brief history of the conflict(s) in Sudan
- A list of 10 things you can do to help make a difference in Sudan

Download here:

http://www.valentinoachakdeng.org/readers_guide.php

Response Question: "this stupid country" (256-367)

When Valentino finds out what happened to Tabitha in Chapter 21, his sponsor Bobby has a very intense reaction:

...many times during that drive he banged his steering wheel and yelled, and ran his hands through his hair.

"Maybe it's this stupid country," he said. "Maybe we just make people crazy."

Valentino does not directly reply to this comment. What do you think his opinion is? What are some of the ways that living the U.S. might make former Lost Boys & Girls "crazy"? For all that they escaped, what cultural differences and challenges might make things insane for them?

Response Question: War songs (256-367)

In Chapter 20, Valentino hears several songs that were composed for the "occasion" of a massacre. Find the lyrics of these songs in the book, and then pick one stanza (paragraph) from the book to read closely. Type the lyrics into your comment, then answer the following questions:
- what are the literal images or people in the song?
- what are the figurative images in the song?
- what's the purpose of this song? do you think it's effective?

Response Question: "The erased man" (256-367)

In Chapter 17, Valentino sees a white person for the first time. He and other boys in the camp have very specific reactions and ideas about this mysterious human. What are some of the things that are said? Why do you think the refugees put such faith in the presence of a white person?

The Amazing Grace Orphanage Tour

Thanks to Desmond, check out the video below. From YouTube:

"The Amazing Grace Orphanage is home to 27 Sudanese Orphans who survived the civil war in their home country. Sudan recently signed a peace agreement in the south. For more info visit: http://www.agorphanage.com or http://www.lahash.net/grace for more on Lahash projects in East Africa."



Note: This movie will not play on a Prep Charter computer. Get yourself to an un-blocked computer!

Visiting Sudan

Today, Valentino spends much of his time in his hometown of Marial Bai, helping rebuild and supporting the community. Dave Eggers has made several trips to Sudan, both during and after writing the book. From his essay about going there:

"The second day we were all in Aweil, we saw a massive parade making its way through the muddy streets of the downtown area. This was National Girls’ Education Day, a demonstration of youth commitment to education. The parade consisted of huge groups of students from various schools and nearby towns, all in school uniforms, marching with banners proclaiming the importance of entering and staying in school.

It was a very inspiring sight."

"In Aweil we visited the compound, formerly owned by relatives of Valentino, where he and his father spent time during the early days of the civil war.... Valentino points out where he and other children hid during raids by the Sudanese army. The hole in the sheet-metal door that Valentino is pointing to was caused by a Kalashnikov when Sudanese army soldiers fired on the compound, c. 1986."

To read more, visit: http://www.valentinoachakdeng.org/blog/?p=37

Response Question: Valentino's Troubles (137-256)

In Chapter 15, Achor Achor finally finds Valentino in the apartment, but their troubles do not end there. What -- or who -- make it hard for these two refugees to deal with the robbery and Valentino's injuries? How does Valentino respond the unfair treatment he receives, and all of the bad things that have happened to him? How would you react if you had so many bad things happen to you? Where would you find the strength to continue?

About the SPLA

The SPLA is the Sudan People's Liberation Army; their political wing is the SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement."

According to Wikipedia, "the SPLA/M is largely Southern Sudan-based, non-Arabic and secular, in contrast to the predominantly Muslim and Arab north. As a rebel group it was formed in 1983 by rebellious south Sudanese soldiers of the Sudanese Army... It was founded by Colonel Dr John Garang, Captain Salva Kiir Mayardit, Major William Nyuon Bany and Major Kerubino Kuanyin Bol. SPLA/M's declared aim was to establish a democratic Sudan with it as the leading party in control of the southern areas. The war has been largely described in religious and ethnic terms, and also as a struggle for control of the water and oil resources located in the southern and the western Sudan."

Pictured above: Colonel John Garang, later Vice President of Sudan.

To learn more, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudan_People's_Liberation_Army

Response Question: the SPLA (137-256)

While walking to Ethiopia, Valentino and the other Lost Boys see and hear about the SPLA, or Sudan People's Liberation Army. There is much interest in the army, and pressure for the boys to join them. What are some reasons the boys want to join, and what are some of the reasons Dut discourages them from joining?

Response Question: American Aid (137-256)

In Chapter 13, we hear about the many different Americans who have helped Valentino and other Lost Boys get settled in the United States. However, these relationships are not always free of problems, nor are they always helpful.

Choose one American who has helped Valentino, and explain what good they did -- and also what they were unable to do for him, what they failed at. Do you think they did enough? Do you think you could do the same (or more, or less) if given the chance?

Response Question: Horrors of War (1-137)

When the fighting begins in his hometown in Marial Bai, Valentino witnesses many horrible events. Which fact or experience of Valentino's do you find the most cruel, and why? Be specific!

Response Question: What IS the What? (1-137)

In Chapter 6, Valentino's father tells the story about "the What" and how that affected his tribe's history. Based on the story, what do YOU think "the What" could be? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Back up your argument with support from the book.

Response Question: Your Dream Day (1-137)

In Chapters 3 and 4, Valentino describes what his "dream day" in his home village of Marial Bai was like. Write about at least one specific thing from his dream day. Would you choose a similar thing to happen in your dream day? Why or why not?