Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The Other Side


Story Title: The Other Side

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Genre: Historical Fiction

Characters: Clover and Annie

Summary: Two young girls live back when a town was racially divided. A fence literally divided the town so that there was a white side and a black side. Clover and Annie lived in two houses closest to the fence, but on opposite sides. Clover's mother warned her that she should never cross the fence; it was too dangerous. Annie always played by herself or sat on the fence. Clover would watch her with wonder until eventually she approached her. Annie invited her to sit on the fence with her. They both became friends and hoped that someday the fence would be torn down.

Comments: This is a beautifully told story that reflects on a sensitive issue. Racial relations have gotten better since the time when this story was set, but it is always good to remember how things were, so that they do not get bad again. Also, the watercolor illustrations are lovely and very realistic.

Grade Level: Kindergarten to Second Grade

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