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Inside Out And Back Again

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Thanhha Lai

Inside Out And Back Again

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Vietnam • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

Thanhha Lai's Inside Out and Back Again follows 10-year-old Hà and her family as they flee war-torn Saigon in 1975, endure hardships on a refugee ship, and resettle in Alabama, facing challenges of bullying, cultural adjustment, and loss while finding new beginnings and community support. The story includes themes of war and family separation.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Hopeful

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

89 ratings

76%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai is praised for its poignant, heartfelt verse that effectively captures the struggles of a young Vietnamese refugee adapting to life in America. Reviewers commend Lai's evocative, minimalist prose and relatable protagonist. However, some critics note that the poetic format may deter readers seeking a more conventional narrative. Overall, it is lauded for its emotional depth and cultural insights.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Inside Out And Back Again?

Readers who appreciate heartfelt, free-verse narratives about resilience and cultural identity will enjoy Inside Out And Back Again by Thanhha Lai. Fans of Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson or The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney will find this story similarly compelling.

4.2

89 ratings

76%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

KIM HÀ

A spirited and lively girl who enjoys snacks and excels in school, often challenging gender roles. She embarks on a journey with her family from Vietnam to the United States, facing numerous personal and cultural challenges.

A guiding figure for her children who maintains important traditions and makes significant decisions for the family's well-being. She supports Hà through their transition from Vietnam to life in America.

Hà’s oldest brother, who is studying engineering and speaks English well enough to assist the family in America. He plays a supportive role in their new life.

An 18-year-old with diverse interests, including martial arts inspired by Bruce Lee, who aids Hà with self-defense in their new environment. He dreams of adopting the persona "Vũ Lee."

The youngest brother who has a soft spot for animals and struggles emotionally during their escape from Vietnam. He protects Hà by escorting her to and from school in America.

An Alabaman who sponsors Hà’s family, helping them settle into American life, despite Hà’s initial misconceptions about him being a traditional cowboy.

A neighbor and supportive figure who tutors the family in English and helps Hà navigate school life. She offers kindness and support during Hà’s emotional challenges.

An antagonist at Hà's new school who bullies her due to cultural differences, creating obstacles in her school experience.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Vietnam • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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