Grade 4 Historical Fiction Unit: Vietnam War

Find out the background, battles, and aftermath of the Vietnam War. Read and discover: how the eight million bombs dropped during "Operation Rolling Thunder" could not guarantee an American victory in the Vietnam War; what deadly "booby traps" American soldiers fell victim to in the jungles of Vietnam; how the Vietnam War turned into one of the longest wars in history.

Postcards written to friends and family at home create a realistic image of each country. Readers learn about local customs, holidays, food, recreation, and money.

MHS Library
Looks at the causes and results of the involvement of the United States in the war in Vietnam, and describes major battles and strategies.

A young boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Vietnam war is over, and Grandfather and young Nam dream that the new dikes will restore the wetlands, bringing home the beautiful cranes that once filled the winter sky. But other villagers think that growing rice is a more practical use for the land. "This is a beautiful book with many layers of meaning and an important message. The simple illustrations...are lovely and appealing."--School Library Journal.

Inside Out and Back Again is a New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor Book, and a winner of the National Book Award! Inspired by the author's childhood experience of fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama, this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration. For all the ten years of her life, Hà has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, Hà discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food . . . and the strength of her very own family. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it "enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny." An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. Supports the Common Core State Standards