Final answer:
In the novel 'A Long Walk to Water,' Salva is an eleven-year-old boy when his story begins in 1985, and Nya is approximately eleven years old as well, but her story takes place around 2008 to 2009.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, the two main characters, Salva and Nya, are of different ages at the start of their stories. Salva is an eleven-year-old boy when his story begins in 1985. He becomes one of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan, forced to flee from his village due to the outbreak of civil war. On the other hand, Nya is about eleven years old as well, but her story is set in a different time, around 2008 to 2009.
Throughout the novel, we follow their separate journeys and struggles. Salva's journey, which takes place over several years, details his experiences as he survives the harsh conditions and walks hundreds of miles to seek safety. Meanwhile, Nya's story brings to light the daily trials she faces, including walking long distances to fetch water for her family.