Frindle

I just finished reading Frindle by Andrew Clements. This book follows the journey of a boy named Nicholas Allen. The beginning of this book poses the question, "Was Nick Allen a troublemaker?" Throughout the book, the narrator aims to answer this question. 

Nick Allen is a fifth-grade boy who would be described as the class clown, and he is known for entertaining his classmates with his creative ideas. On his first day of class with Mrs. Granger, however, he realizes it won't be as easy to get away with his antics as he is used to. Nick is challenged by Mrs. Granger, and nearly feels defeated until he has the idea to use her own words against her. After learning that every person determines what a particular word means by the way it is used, he picks up a pen, and names it "frindle". Nick's new word eventually catches on, causing a frenzy. Throughout the rest of the year, Mrs. Granger continues to challenge Nick, but he never gives in.

I remember in sixth grade, my teacher read this book to our class. After finishing the book, our entire class had found a wave of creativity. We all went around the room and made up fun names for different objects. 

Since I enjoyed reading this book so much as a child, I decided to read it again. This time around, I noticed elements of the book that I wouldn't have considered as a sixth-grader. Even as an adult I am able to find humor in Nick's actions. I related to some of Mrs. Granger's frustrations. I am still inspired by the determination of Nick as he followed his dreams. 

This book is a great read for students because not only is it entertaining, but it also encourages the young minds who read it to be creative and to never give up on their dreams. 

Inside Out & Back Again: Part III and Part IV

I recently finished the rest of the book Inside Out & Back Again. The last two parts of this book took me on an emotional roller coaster. Thanhha Lai does an excellent job of using descriptive language to create a picture of what Hà is experiencing.

In Part III, my heart broke for Hà several times as I read about the mistreatment she and her family face. These Vietnamese refugees are taken to Alabama, and they immediately are treated like unwelcome guests. Hà begins school, and I nearly cried when I read how her classmates, and even her teacher, tease her and say incredibly rude comments. It takes a while for the family to fully adjust to American life, but for Hà, it never seems to get easier.

She does find some hope for happiness along the way, as she begins to be tutored by a retired school teacher. Hà also makes friends who allow her days at school to be more bearable. At the end of Part III, Hà and her family find out troubling news, but they can all rely on each other to help get through the difficult times.

While Part IV is short, it is able to bring the whole book to an end. While it may not be the ending I expected, I was not disappointed.  I loved reading this book! It is an excellent book that gave me a sense of what life was like for Vietnamese refugees after the Vietnam war. I think everyone should read this book and go on Hà's journey to new places and new experiences.

Inside Out & Back Again (Part I and Part II)

I have recently started reading the book Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai. This book is written in poetry format from the point of view of a young Vietnamese girl, Kim Hà. Because of the format, I was hesitant to read this book at first. However, once I started reading, I was instantly engaged.

In these first two Parts, I am taken on a journey as Hà and her family are forced to flee their Saigon home on a Navy ship, seeking refuge from the communists taking over their country. 

In Part I, Hà describes the conditions she and her family are facing after the U.S. soldiers left Vietnam. I can't help but feel a connection to the 10-year-old girl as she vividly describes the struggles of the poor Vietnamese citizens. I couldn't help but hope with her. As I read, I was able to feel the same love, the same worries, and the same frustrations as she and her family experience. I couldn't help but wonder what I would do if I was in the same situation. At the end of Part I, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen next.

In Part II, Hà and her family are on the ship with other refugees. Again, I feel the hope and the worry these men, women, and children face. Would I have been able to survive a crowded ship, and at the same time be near starving with small rations of rice. Through all the worry, however, Hà also lightens the mood with her innocent humor. I laughed out loud when I read how she viewed the American man. It wouldn't be easy being a 10-year-old girl, fleeing from the only home you've ever known, but Hà stays brave and hopeful for a better future. This hope remains as Hà and her family wait to be rescued and taken in by another family.

I look forward to reading the rest of this book and finding out what lies ahead for Hà and her family as they find refuge in America.