A review by sara_berlin
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lại

adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I think this book achieved exactly what the author set out to do. It’s real, emotional and doesn’t sugar coat what it’s really like to be a refugee as a child. I found Há’s character to be endearing, inspiring and, despite the unusual circumstances, relatable. The sections about bullying, boy did those ignite a rage in me. That’s exactly why people should read books like this, to understand. I think it’s perfect for a middle grade audience, but can still be enjoyed by teenagers and adults. Há’s relationship with being a refugee and struggling to be grateful for her host country are things that need to be represented more in fiction, and that I appreciate in this book. There isn’t much of the war itself; there’s mentions of bombs, and her father is said to have gone MIA, but they don’t encounter a battlefield or anything like that. The section when she’s on the refugee ship isn’t very gritty either, which makes it alright for younger audiences.