Elements of Fiction Vocab
Characters
Main Events
Ha's Life
Inside Out and Back Again General Questions
100

when an object, person, or idea represents a deeper meaning.

What is symbolism

100

A ten year-old girl who is the narrator of the story

Ha

100
What does Ha do on Tet that she fears causes her family bad luck?

Taps her toe on the floor

100

How does Ha grow stronger or change by the end of the book?

 Ha becomes more resilient by the end of the story. She also becomes more confident and learns to adapt to new situations.

100

Inside Out and Back Again is a novel written in...

poems

200

The main message or lesson of a story

What is theme
200

Ha's oldest brother, studies engineering

Brother Quang
200

What is Ha's most cherished item in Saigon?

Papaya Tree

200

What is the most difficult part of Ha’s transition to life in America?

Language barrier and being misunderstood or bullied at school.

200

The moment in 1975 when Saigon fell to North Vietnamese forces, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

The Fall of Saigon

300

The sequence of events that happen in a story

What is plot

300

Ha's middle Brother who looks up to Bruce Lee and wants to be a chef

Brother Vu

300

What happened to Ha's father?

He went missing on a Navy mission 9 years ago

300

Characterization Question: Choose an adjective to describe Ha. Explain why you chose this word.

Asswers vary: Stubborn, caring, smart, helpful, sneaky, etc. 

300

What country is the main character from

Vietnam

400

The time and place where a story occurs

What is setting

400

Ha's favorite brother who loves animals

Brother Khoi

400

How is Ha treated by many of her classmates at school?

Many of Ha’s classmates tease her and call her names

400

What does Ha's Papaya tree symbolize?

Family, hope, home, growth

400

What is the historical event happening in the background of the story

The Vietnam War

500

An imagined society that appears perfect but is actually controlled, unfair, or frightening.

Dystopia

500

Ha's tutor who cares for her and helps her learn English

Miss Washington

500

Where does Ha’s family move after the refugee camp?

Alabama

500

What is one moment in the story where Ha shows bravery or strength

  1. Answers vary: One moment where Ha shows bravery is when she solves a math problem in front of her class even though she knows it might upset the bullies. SHe takes pride in her skills and bravely continues despite their reactions.

500

A person forced to leave their country due to war or danger

Refugee