Inside Out and Back Again depicts a young girl's experience as a refugee fleeing the war in Vietnam and settling in Alabama. As such, there are depictions of war and racism - but as it is told from a child's point of view, nothing is overly graphic. Though, depending on the background of the students, they may be directly impacted by similar circumstances. Teachers should prepare students for this and emphasize that the content of the book must be approached with the utmost respect: no matter what students'—or students' parents'—views on immigration or refugees are, the classroom will be a place for strictly respectful, understanding, and compassionate discussion of these issues.
The...
