Inside Out And Back Again

Considering the details used to describe Hà’s home just before the family must leave it, what adjectives befit the mood evoked by the setting? What contrasting adjectives might describe the mood evoked by Hà’s views of the Alabama neighborhood out her basement window? Use supportive details from the text to explain your choices.

Mother tells the children they must make their study of English a top priority upon arriving in America, but she uses Vietnamese in encounters with others. Does the use of her native language weaken or strengthen Mother’s character as others see her? In your response, cite two to three scenes in which Mother’s plot role and indirect characterization involve her use of language.

Instances of self-sacrifice appear throughout the novel. Brainstorm a list of 5-8 moments of self-sacrifice from the text, labeling each with the character who gives something up for the good of others. Which character appears most often on your list? What traits can you defend for this character, citing added examples from the book?

How might the tone of this book change if written in third person instead of first? What if a different character told the story? Would a different point of view impact the format or structure as a novel in verse—for example, what would verse from Brother Khôi’s viewpoint look like? Discuss these thoughts on point of view using two or three examples from the book.

In fiction, a clearly depicted setting is often like a character; it might develop, change, and make an impact on other characters. How are the different settings of Saigon, the ship, the camp, and Alabama like characters whom Hà meets on her journey? What impact does each make on her?

One of the lessons Hà learns is that to be accepted by others, you must first accept others in your own life; similarly, fulfillment in your surroundings grows from acceptance and appreciation for what you have. In what ways does Hà grow to accept her new classmates and her teacher? In what ways does she learn to accept and even appreciate some parts of her life in Alabama that are quite different from her life in Vietnam?

Historical fiction tells a story that includes nonfictional elements from history, such as a real setting, real events, real figures, or a combination of those elements. How does Lai incorporate historical elements into Hà’s story? To what extent is the story driven by history? Discuss 3-5 historical details from the text to support your response.

Language barriers between individuals or between an individual and a group can cause misunderstandings and conflict. Discuss 2-3 times when Hà’s inability to speak English prevent her from communicating or making a connection with a potential ally. Also, include in your discussion the extent to which conflicts resolve for Hà as her acquisition of English improves.