Introduction
I recently finished reading a book about a ten-year-old girl named Hà who is fleeing with her family to The United States after South Vietnam falls to the communist North. As she settles in Alabama, she faces harassment and change. This book was Inside Out And Back Again By Thanhha Lai, a story about a girl fleeing from her war-torn country to The U.S. and her journey as she tries to make friends and fit in. Read this book review to find out more information about this book and my thoughts on it.
Story
This book starts in Saigon, South Vietnam, where Hà, her mother, and her brothers live. They discuss and eventually decide to leave their war-torn country just as it is taken over by The North Vietnamese. They board a ship and are soon recused by The United States Navy. When Hà arrives in The States, she is given shelter in Alabama. Here, she is admitted to a school where she tries to make friends, learn English, and handle bullying and harassment.
Opinion
This book was a moving story of Hà’s journey as she copes with grief and change. It shows very clearly and accurately a refugee’s reaction to coming to The U.S. for the first time. It was full of moments that gives you a deep look into their life and their emotions. I would recommend this book to middle-schoolers or above and people who find realistic fiction books appealing. I rate this book 5 stars because it explains a child’s struggle as a refuge very clearly and is also humorous.
