Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Love the colors

When war overcomes Saigon in 1975, Ha reluctantly flees her beloved Vietnam with her mother and three older brothers and begins an often difficult new life in Alabama. Ha faces bullying, condescension and discrimination from classmates, teachers and neighbors, and she struggles with the exasperating rules of the English language. “Would be simpler/if English/and life/were logical,” she states in frustration. Homesick, she often longs for Vietnam as she is introduced to America’s unfamiliar culture. As she discovers new friends and people who accept her, Ha learns that although America is different from Vietnam, it also holds hope for the future. Ha’s yearlong tale is told in a believable first person point of view through poignant verse. Ha’s voice is distinct and engaging as she realistically deals with everyday problems that all children face as well as those unique to her own situation. Serious scenes like glimpses of the effects of war are balanced with occasional light-hearted moments or comments. Young readers who have felt like outsiders will empathize with Ha, and this story should appeal to those who have an interest in historical fiction. Discussions about understanding other cultures or lessons about the period after the Vietnam War would be enhanced by the use of this story. Public libraries as well as elementary and middle school libraries do not want to miss out on adding this thought-provoking title to their collections.