Inside Out & Back Again tells the story of a young girl named Kim Ha escaping Saigon during the Vietnam War with her family. Inspired by the author's personal experiences as a refugee, the story is written in a simplistic yet powerful way using free verse poetry.
The book itself has few words that describe so much more, packed with metaphors and deep themes of war, hope, and change. The story is realistic and tells about not just the events on the ship to flee, but also the family's struggles to fit in and adapt to their new environment after finally finding refuge. The story is difficult to put into words, written beautifully and honestly, with so many hidden messages. It shows how much a person's life can change in a single year, and how much it affects them and the people around them. The emotions are masterfully conveyed through descriptions and tone in the writing, along with the underlying innocence of being told from a ten-year-old's perspective. The relationships are clear as well, showing the close bond between Ha and her family, and how much they care about each other, especially in difficult situations. Overall, the story is a great read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to read something new, emotionally deep, or just because.

This book, "The Thing About Jellyfish" By, Ali Benjamin, is quite honestly one of the best books I have ever read. It is about a young girl, losing her best friend and thinking that maybe if she finds out how she died, which she though the initial way was false, would solve her feelings and take away the grief and sorrow, sadly it did not as you would expect. This book was amazing and it helped me with the grief I soon had to overcome. What I had enjoyed about the book was how it didn't sugarcoat mental health and thoughts of those, because sugarcoating and beating around the bush about serious things about mental health is an impossibly selfish thing to do. I also enjoyed how it was written, the format plus it being in first person really helped. I chose to read this book, because I thought it was about jellyfish and I do love jellyfish, but I also read it because I knew it had death in it and I had to do a book report, I couldn't have picked a better book to do so. I think the only thing I didn't like about the book was probably that it didn't include real problems. There was a part of the story where I thought she would've gotten disciplinary or even just a little bit of consequences, but no, none were involved. One thing the reader must know is that it does include a small part of homosexuality, but that is NOT what the book is about. I think anyone who is going through grief will be able to relate to this book. And I highly recommend to the age of 13+ of any gender.

This book is a great read, covering topics such as bullying, the challenges of moving to a new country, family life, and more. It's told from two perspectives, showing how two people with completely different backgrounds can form a valuable friendship. Ravi, who recently moved from India to America, struggles with fitting in and adjusting to the new culture and customs, while Joe deals with constant bullying and an auditory processing disorder. The book is easy to read and understand, but still has a strong and deep message. Both characters feel very realistic, and their stories are well-written, showing how their experiences, personalities, and circumstances influence their thoughts and actions throughout the story, and how those ultimately bring them together. Overall, it's a meaningful story that reflects how understanding and empathy can lead to friendship, no matter how different people may seem.

After reading Gary Paulsen’s other Hatchet books, I knew I had to read The River. The story is simple: Brian has been rescued from the horrors of the wilderness, with scars to prove them; but a group of men who want to educate people on nature survival are asking him to travel back to the desolate Canadian Forests! Read as a simple, and seemingly safe, plan falters and leaves Brian back in the wild, alone. His only hope: to raft down a river and hope for somebody to rescue him.
Although this novel gives off a less tense survival vibe, it is certainly still entertaining. I would certainly recommend this entire series to anyone who loves a good nature book with a twist. The River: A Hatchet Adventure, is worthwhile. Read and submerse yourself in a survival book of hardships and adventure!

Gary Paulsen has done it again in his fifth and final Hatchet series book. Brian is back in the comfort of the Canadian wilderness, and he has promised to visit a native hunting family on his venture back into the forests. However, his trip turns into a massacre when Brian arrives to a horrific scene. Brian must claim vengeance over whoever, or whatever did this. Join Brian on his hunt in another excellent adventure from Gray Paulsen. This book is yet another wilderness hit! Totally recommended to anyone who loves a good nature book.

He has finally done it: Brian survived the terrors of nature and has finally returned to his home town in New York. Everything is better now, or is it? Is city life as wonderful as Brian dreamed it to be while stuck in the middle of the Canadian Forests? Or has Brian become part of nature? To find out, read the third book in the Hatchet series, Brian’s Return.

I knew that I had to read this book after completing Gary Paulsen’s previous two books in the series. Brian kept growing on me the more I read, and I couldn’t get enough of Gray Paulsen’s descriptive writing. Although this book holds less of Brian’s wilderness struggles, Brian now encounters a whole different kind of hardship. I completely suggest this book to any wilderness lovers out there!

When I finished reading Gary Paulsen’s initial book to the series, Brian’s Winter was on my list. The novel twists the first book, Hatchet, with an alternate ending! Brian now remains stranded in the Canadian Wilderness, but here’s the catch: in order for Brian to survive, he must endure Canada’s brutal winters. Can Brian get lucky enough to survive yet another season in the wild, or will he succumb to the sheer power of Mother Nature? Find out by reading Gary Paulsen’s Brian’s Winter.

Another amazing book by Jim Benton, You can bet on that follows Jamie and Angeline’s relationship as they face Isabella, and make multiple bets. Jamie complains about homework, ugly clothing, and feeling inferior, which we can all relate to. She and Angeline make a bet that whoever loses at a fair game has to kiss the worst boy in school. On the lips. Jamie really doesn’t want to lose, but what happens if she does?

This is a hilarious book, and really relatable to anyone going through the ordeal of middle school. Jamie recounts old memories, like the time she dressed a snowman in her friend Isabella’s mother’s underwear. She also shares funny opinions on matters, and stories about puppies. Combined with amazing drawings, this book by Jim Benton will have you hooked.

An amazing book, including mystery, psychology, and self identity. Hannah Gold isn’t crazy, right? Over the summer, she went to early college classes, where she met her new best friend, Agnes Smith. But one night, when they were playing truth or dare, Agnes fell. Off the window ledge of a second story room. Hannah is sure she didn’t push her, but she remembers it clearly, right? Hannah is moved under psychological observation, under the care of doctor Lightfoot. She spends a lot of time in the mental hospital, and makes a NEW best friend, Lucy. But one day, Lucy disappears.