Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration. Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are…
4.5Overall Score
Inside Out and Back Again
Reader's Review An incredible first-person perspective on fleeing a war-torn country and arriving in a place where the language, the food, the culture and everything else is completely ...
Reader’s Review
An incredible first-person perspective on fleeing a war-torn country and arriving in a place where the language, the food, the culture and everything else is completely foreign. The book manages to be emotional, honest, devastating and funny all at the same time.
To look out for
- Islamic Values: Main character takes money from her mom to buy food, but buys a little less so that she can use the extra money for treats. She also has trouble following rules and argues often, especially when she feels the rule favors boys over girls. Frequent mention of eating pork, and some religious festivals (the family calls themselves Christian and are baptised because they feel they will be accepted more)
- Language: Kids in school make fun of the Vietnamese siblings calling them names and describing their physical characteristics in unflattering ways.
- Violence: Brother teaches martial arts to his sister so she can defend himself. A few physical fights are described. Mention is made of the bombing of Saigon. The father is missing in action and eventually his family accepts that he will never be found.
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