Book Sharing---Inside Out and Back Again

Inside Out and Back Again is an award-winning debut novel written in free verse by Thanhha Lai. The book received the 2011 National Book Award for Young Adult fiction and it’s also a 2012 Newbery Honor Book for Young People’s Literature. The author dedicates her book to “the millions of refugees in the world,” hoping that they will “find a home.” This is a novel that tugs the heart based from the author’s memory of what she and her family has gone through before the fall of Saigon (former name of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).[1] Join me in discovering what makes this book worth recommending!

1) Insight into the experiences of refugees:

The book follows the story of Ha and her family, her mother and three brothers, as they left the city and moved to the United States to escape the looming war in Vietnam. The family’s father has been away for 9 years now fighting in the war, with them having no idea if he’s still alive, and despite all their doubts about leaving him behind they made the decision to leave. Staying will only mean them being caught and killed. They anchored their hopes in the belief that in the future they will see each other again by the promises that they made with each other. They set sail with other families to a land with an uncertain future.[2] Through Ha's story, the reader gains an understanding of the challenges faced by refugees, including leaving one's home and community, adapting to a new language and culture, and dealing with prejudice and discrimination.

2) Fostering empathy and understanding

The use of verse in the book creates an intimate and emotional connection between readers and the protagonist, a young Vietnamese girl named Ha, allowing them to experience her story more deeply. This connection fosters empathy and understanding towards her experiences, feelings, and struggles. Furthermore, the book delves into complex themes such as war, displacement, and cultural identity. Ha's journey sheds light on the difficulties faced by refugees and immigrants, including the challenges of language barriers, discrimination, and cultural differences. This exposure to these issues can help readers develop a greater appreciation and empathy for those who have endured similar circumstances.

3) The significance of cultural heritage and personal identity

The novel delves into the significance of cultural heritage and personal identity. As Ha navigates her new life in America, she grapples with questions of belonging and self-identity. Despite the challenges, Ha remains steadfast in her cultural heritage, finding solace and a sense of self in her Vietnamese roots. Ha's mother also struggles to hold onto traditional values and beliefs in the face of living in a new country, while her brother Vu experiences discrimination and racism due to his Vietnamese background. These experiences underscore how cultural heritage can both provide a sense of pride and pose challenges, and how it can shape one's understanding of self and place in the world. Through the characters' experiences, readers are reminded of the importance of maintaining a connection to one's cultural heritage, even in the face of adversity and change.

4) Importance of family, community, and resilience

Inside Out and Back Again masterfully highlights the significance of family, community, and resilience. Throughout the novel, Ha's family is portrayed as an unbreakable unit that offers unwavering support to one another. They endure a range of arduous and difficult circumstances, such as leaving their homeland, acclimating to a foreign culture, and grappling with the realities of war. Ha's mother, even while dealing with her own difficulties, prioritizes the well-being and harmony of her family above all else. In spite of the prejudice and obstacles that they encounter, Ha and her family exhibit extraordinary perseverance and ingenuity, finding ways to adapt and flourish in their new surroundings. Their resilience and unwavering determination serve as a powerful model for readers to draw strength from in their own lives, inspiring them to find the courage to overcome their own struggles and hardships while never forgetting the importance of the support and love of family and community.

[1] My Thoughts About Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai”https://bongbongbooks.wordpress.com [2] “My Thoughts About Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai” https://bongbongbooks.wordpress.com