Linda Sue Park

Biography

Linda Sue Park is a Korean American author born in Urbana, Illinois in 1960. She won the Newbery Medal in 2002 for A Single Shard. A Long Walk to Water (2010) grew from her research into Salva Dut's life and the work of Water for South Sudan (now the nonprofit's name). Park interviewed Salva Dut directly and worked with him to ensure the accuracy of his story. She has been a longtime supporter of his drilling projects. The book's proceeds have supported water well construction. Park has spoken about writing the book as a responsibility: she had access to Salva's story, and that access came with an obligation to share it accurately.

Linda Sue Park at a glance