When Clouds Touch Us by Thanhhà Lai is the sequel to Inside Out and Back Again. I did not read the first book and don't feel I missed anything by not reading it.

The cover is great. It took me a bit to understand how the book and story were laid out. But once I could get past that, I really enjoyed the story and following along with Ha and her family, who moved from Alabama to Texas.

I loved Ha's story and getting a glimpse into her culture and family life. An excellent book for families to read together.

I would recommend this book, and I may check out the first book, also.

#WhenCloudsTouchUs #NetGalley @HarperChildrens

In this novel in verse sequel to Inside Out and Back Again, we find Ha and her family moving from Alabama to Texas where Ha is starting in a new school for the third time. While her brothers and mother work, Ha tries making friends which is hard, and the apartment manager asks her to babysit two children. Ha saves her money and she and her brothers give their work savings to mom. What does she do with it?

Though it's been over 6 years since I read "Inside Out and Back Again," this book drew me right back in to Ha's life. Though I have little in common with Ha, I love her story and find myself soaking in her culture, her relationships with her mother and brother, and the way she is constantly having to adapt. Inspiring story that gives students insight into another young one's life.
Note to parents/educators: one allusion to a menstrual cycle