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Book Review: Inside Out And Back Again

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58,148 people were killed and 304,000 wounded out of 2.7 million who served in the Vietnam War. Inside Out and Back Again is a story about a young girl named Ha and her family who were forced to move to the United States because the Vietnam War had reached their home and it was no longer safe. From a first impression of Inside Out and Back Again seems like an ordinary book, however its unique style and expressiveness makes it a very enjoyable read. The Little Free Library should include Inside Out and Back Again in its display because author Thanhha Lai captures the reader’s attention through its unique writing style, established popularity, and lessons incorporated through the novel.

To start off, unlike many books, Inside Out and Back Again …show more content…

The book received the John Newbery Medal in 2012, a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children. This award is given to the author of “the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Inside Out and Back Again clearly proved to do so by explaining Ha and her family’s story through fleeing war-torn Vietnam for the American South. In this striking and detailed verse, she documents her long struggle to find her place in a new and shifting world. Doing so, this story became well known and a favorite for many. Furthermore, this book was recognized as the National Book Award Winner for Young People’s Literature as well in 2011. On their own initiative, this book is something many children would not choose at first, because it often moves slowly but once they do, they fall in love. It also tackles an issue that is not often addressed in children’s literature, which is refreshing, that is of refugees displaced by war. Overall, the book has been recognized more and more since being published and the positive reviews have only increased since …show more content…

The simplicity of the book represented in its writing style makes it a must-read book. The age range to read Inside Out and Back Again is unlimited as it’s interesting enough for an older audience and comprehensible to a younger reader. The lessons taught through Ha’s experiences allow for the reader to discover a new perspective. Overall, the Little Free Library should choose Inside Out and Back Again as its original characteristics make it a must-read for people of all

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