Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

                                                       Inside Out & Back Again
                                                       By: Thanhha Lai


             The story authored by Thanhha Lai is a wonderfully written story in verse. The story is about a young Vietnamese girl name Ha and her family. She is living in the war torn country of Vietnam. The war has taken her father and hopefully not the rest of her family. Ha is learning that she may not like hat is going on, but must obey what her mother ask. She is learning that war is a horrible thing, and must flee to America with her family on a boat during a Communist strike. The boat she is on is finally rescued by Americans. The family is taken to Tent City in Florida. There her family hopes to find a sponsor so they can get to live the American life. The American Cowboy sponsors the family, and life for the family becomes on of transition and change. Ha must learn that things are not always happy and great. She learns that she hates everything and hopes things will change. Luckily for Ha she is introduce to a few friends Steven, Pam, and her English tutor Miss Washington. Will Ha learn to love America and take advantage of everything that is offer. Will Ha make it through life in America?

        I would definitely recommend this to students who love to read stories in verse. The story is a cute coming of age in America story. The author shares in her notes that part of it is related to her experiences, which makes this very believable.

           

One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Katherine Applegate's book One and Only Ivan is a great book. I have seen the book many times at book fairs and finally took it upon myself to buy this. Well it helped that it was buy one book and get one free. I know you don't judge a book by the cover. I did that and so regret it. Ivan is the main character of the story. He is a gorilla who lives in an exhibit that helps his owner make money. Ivan becomes friends with Stella an elephant, Bob a homeless dog, and Julia a young girl who comes to the exhibit because her dad George works there. The story is about Ivan who has no recollection of his life as a child, but is unsure about being animal or human. He is a side show for Mack his owner. He doesn't seem to be pulling in money like he use to so Mack buys a baby elephant named Ruby. Ruby is unsure of what to think but learns to become friends with everyone and Stella takes Ruby on as family. As time goes on a tradegy happens and everyone tries to figure out how to overcome it. Ivan makes a promise and hopes to be able to keep it. Will Ivan figure out if he is more human or animal? Will Ivan be able to keep his promise? Read this and you will find out all the answers. I would definitely recommend this Newberry Medal winner. Katherine Applegate's story of these animals is very touching. If you like books about animals and how they can overcome things, this is the book for you.