For their recent independent book clubs, I had my fifth graders design their own book cover to accompany the book. I hope you enjoy their interpretations as well as their reviews.
(Please note that my fifth graders #iLoveMG read a wide variety of books across a wide variety of genres, levels, and topics. Do not think that these books are "only" for fifth graders.) Or check out #3rdfor3rd for recommendations from when I taught third grade.
Inside Out and Back Again
Recommended by Angelina
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lai is my book. It is a historical fiction book, based on the Vietnam War in 1955.
The book is told in verse in the perspective of a young girl named Hà. Hà has only known Saigon, Vietnam for the first 10 years of her life, but when the Vietnam War arrived at her hometown, Hà, her three brothers, and her mother are forced to flee to America. Hà doesn’t know whether she and her family will manage to escape or even sneak up to the fleeing ship without being caught. Even worse, Hà’s father served in the war, but fell for a trap set by the enemy troops and has suddenly gone missing. Through the stress, war, and risk, Hà and her family’s fate is in god’s hands now.
Even though it is in verse, the book is amazingly told and engulfs the reader in the story as it progresses. I really like the plot because it shows that out of a devastating and despairing situation, one can still find a glimmer of hope in unexpected places.
Click here for all of our #iLoveMG posts. What are your favorite middle grade books?
Click here for all of our #iLoveMG posts. What are your favorite middle grade books?
