Book Review: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai - Middle Grade 3 to 3.5 Stars 

This is a middle grade story told in verse (poetry style) all about a young girl and her family who go to America (Alabama) as refugees at the end of the Vietnam War. I think this story is a powerful testimony of what they went through. So many struggles trying to learn English, how to interact with others, eating new foods, attending a new school, dealing with bullies for their differences and prejudices as well. Their father is missing from war and the their family is grieving not having him around. We see them working through their pain and struggles and how to learn living in America. This brings awareness to what refugee families go/went through and is a powerful, moving story.

For content purposes: Parents should be aware before their children read this of the following:

- The religion discussions in this book reflect the refugees culture back home. The mother says they are Christians to ensure a better chance to being allowed to come to America as refugees. They are also baptized to appear as Christians in an effort to make their neighbors like them better because of all the prejudices they are facing. However, their religion is not Christianity and there is situations of chanting, being made fun of for Buddah and the child yells back "Jesus" to the kids, worship of idols is shown and use of incense etc. I just want to mention this so parents are aware before their children read this so they can have conversations about these things before they go in blind. This way parental guidance can be given since it's technically a children's book. Additionally, some of the content I didn't personally agree on but I certainly understand it is culturally appropriate and enjoyed the overall message of the story. I think it's a very important message to be shared.

Other content includes war violence mentioned and refugee struggles that may be hard for some readers to read, but it's important to the narrative of the story.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6288186442
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bLF1dr

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