Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Inside Out and Back Again is a New
York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor
Book, and a winner of the National Book
Award! Inspired by the author’s
childhood experience of 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.
For all the ten years of her life, Hà has
only 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. In America, Hà
discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food . . . and the strength of her very own family.
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. (From Goodreads)
teach in a 7/8 week intensive program, or would also be good for one half of a full semester. For each section, this guide contains: suggested vocabulary words, comprehension questions, writing activities, and research/extension activities. There is also a previewing section and a section for helpful links and cultural references.
Click here to view this teaching guide on Gumroad