Inside Out and Back Again — Thanhhà Lai

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 forced to flee as Saigon falls and they board a ship headed toward hope toward America This moving story of one girl s year of change dreams grief and healing received four starred reviews including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it enlightening poignant and unexpectedly funny An author s note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà s story This paperback edition also includes an interview with the author an activity you can do with your family tips on writing poetry and discussion questions