Once in America, they find kindness and generosity as well as cruel racism, bullying, and the struggle to start over in a new land while learning a new language. Lai weaves Hà's story through moving chapters written in verse that is concise and compelling, giving readers a view of the perspective of refugee children and their families in America.
Student Activities for Inside Out and Back Again
Essential Questions for Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
- Who are the main characters in Inside Out and Back Again and what challenges do they face?
- What are some of the symbols and motifs present in the novel? How does the symbolism help you better understand the characters and their motivations?
- What are some of the themes present in the novel and what lessons does the author try to impart to the reader?
- Every refugee or immigrant experience is unique. However, there are some common themes that are universal to humanity and the refugee experience. What are some common emotions one would feel leaving their homeland and moving to a new country with a new language?
- What did you learn about the Vietnamese War and refugee crisis?
Inside Out and Back Again Summary
The story begins on Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in 1975. Young Hà is celebrating the New Year with her family and praying for good fortune to follow them in the coming year. She is ten years old and lives with her hard working and gentle mother, her older brother Vu who studies engineering, her older brother Quang, still in high school who enjoys the culinary arts, and her brother Khoi who loves animals. All three brothers tease their little sister but as Hà's mother says, "They tease you because they adore you.” The family is grieving the loss of their father who went "missing in action" on a mission for the South Vietnamese Navy nine years ago. Their mother prays for his return each day.
Hà's family faces a difficult choice as the North Vietnamese army closes in and Saigon is at risk of being overtaken. They do not want to leave their homeland. They would have to leave everything behind except what can fit in a few small backpacks. In addition, they feel anguished over leaving without their father, who they dream will return one day. But the family is convinced by their Uncle that the danger is too great to stay. They flee aboard a Navy ship that is repurposed for refugees.
The family boards the crowded ship along with hundreds of others crammed together and makes the slow treacherous journey with very little food and water. They make it to Guam and from there to America along with other refugees who have been sponsored in the United States.
The family is ignored for days until they change their religious status to "Christian". Then, they are taken in by a kindly "Cowboy" who lives in Alabama. Hà imagines that because he wears a cowboy hat and boots that he must own a horse like in the American movies she's seen. His wife is not as generous and scowls at the family, making them feel unwelcome. She is not the only one; the neighbors slam their doors in their faces and make racist remarks. The family faces many uphill battles making their way in an unfamiliar and unfriendly place. At school, Hà has difficulty learning English as it is so different from Vietnamese with completely different grammatical rules and sounds. The students in her class ostracize her and tease her. One boy in particular bullies her regularly. Hà manages to find comfort in two kind friends at school and one neighbor, Mrs. Washington, a retired teacher who tutors her. Hà had always done well in school and excelled in math but in the United States she is made to feel as if she is "stupid". Despite it all, the family faces their many challenges with grace, dignity, and courage.
Author Thanhha Lai wrote the semi-autobiographical story in free verse poetry. Lai said "One day I just started jotting down exactly what Hà would be feeling, lonely, and angry on the playground. The words came out in quick, sharp phrases that captured her feelings in crisp images. These phrases reflected what Vietnamese sounded like. Remember, Hà was thinking in Vietnamese because she hadn't learned English yet. Then I knew I would be able to penetrate her mind by writing in phrases choked with visuals." Readers will come away wiser and more empathetic for gaining a glimpse into the refugee experience through the eyes of the children and families that lived it.
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How Tos about Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Make students feel empathy for refugees using creative writing
Encourage students to write a short poem or journal entry from Hà's perspective, focusing on her emotions and experiences as a refugee. This immersive activity helps build understanding and empathy for those facing displacement.
Discuss common feelings refugees experience in a new country
Lead a class brainstorm or group discussion listing emotions refugees may feel, such as fear, hope, confusion, and loneliness. Use examples from the book to connect literature to real-life experiences.
Compare students’ own transitions to Hà’s journey
Ask students to recall a time they felt out of place or had to adapt to something new. Guide them to write or share how their experience is similar or different to Hà’s move to America, fostering personal connections.
Celebrate cultural diversity through sharing traditions
Invite students to share traditions from their own families or cultures in small groups. Relate this to Hà’s Tet celebration, highlighting how diverse backgrounds enrich the classroom and build mutual respect.
Use visuals to help students understand the setting
Show images from the book’s time period and locations, such as Saigon and Alabama. Let students create drawings or storyboards that capture key scenes to deepen their visual comprehension of the refugee experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
What is Inside Out and Back Again about?
Inside Out and Back Again is a historical fiction novel by Thanhha Lai that follows ten-year-old Hà and her family as they flee war-torn Vietnam and start a new life in the United States, facing challenges like racism, language barriers, and the search for belonging.
Who are the main characters in Inside Out and Back Again?
The main characters are Hà, her mother, and her three brothers: Vu, Quang, and Khoi. Together, they navigate the difficulties of leaving their homeland and adjusting to life as refugees in America.
What are the key themes in Inside Out and Back Again?
Major themes include family, resilience, grief, identity, adaptation, and the refugee experience. The novel explores how Hà and her family cope with loss, cultural change, and the challenges of starting over in a foreign country.
How does Inside Out and Back Again portray the refugee experience?
The book provides an authentic look at the emotional and practical struggles refugees face, such as leaving loved ones behind, learning a new language, facing prejudice, and adapting to a new culture, all told through Hà’s vivid perspective.
What makes Inside Out and Back Again a good choice for classroom lessons?
Inside Out and Back Again uses free verse poetry and relatable characters to engage students, spark empathy, and prompt discussions about history, immigration, and multiculturalism, making it ideal for K–12 lessons.
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