The Other Side

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson at its core is a story about segregation and how two little girls became friends despite the view of their town and the power that kids can have to make small changes that lead to bigger changes in our world. 

Clover and Annie live in a town where a fence separates the black side of town from the white side of town.  Clover and Annie have both been told to not cross to the other side of the fence, it's not safe and its the way things have always been.  Throughout the summer Clover notices Annie sitting on the fence and her curiosity starts to outweigh the system established by the town and her bravery wins out until one day both girls sit on the fence and start talking. 

I would recommend this book for both younger and older students as a beautifully written story about segregation and racial tension told in such a way that can facilitate conversations centered around change.   For younger students it's a great story to show how small acts of bravery can change the world.  For older students it could be extended to focus on the fences that exist in their lives and what power they might have to change them. 

The Other Side
Written by: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by: E.B. White
Published in 2001

Reviewed by: Emily Seefeldt