The Other Side

A young African-American girl named Clover lives in a segregated town divided by a fence. Each day she sees a white girl standing on the other side, watching and waiting in solitude. Through their mutual curiosity, the two girls find ways to interact despite being forbidden to cross the barrier between their communities. They discover creative solutions that allow them to play together while respecting the physical boundaries set by their parents. E.B. Lewis's watercolor illustrations pair with Woodson's text to tell this story of childhood friendship. The book has received multiple honors including being named an ALA Notable Book and School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. The story explores themes of segregation, friendship, and the artificial nature of racial barriers through the innocent perspective of children. Its straightforward approach makes complex social issues accessible to young readers.

Readers value the book's approach to addressing segregation and friendship through a child's perspective. Parents and teachers note it opens discussions about race and prejudice with young children in an accessible way. What readers liked: - Simple yet impactful storytelling - E.B. Lewis's watercolor illustrations - Shows racial barriers being overcome through children's innocence - Handles complex themes without being heavy-handed What readers disliked: - Some feel it oversimplifies historical segregation - A few mention it could be longer/more detailed - Price point high for page count Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.9/5 (850+ ratings) Scholastic: 4.8/5 (100+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect for teaching acceptance without preaching" - Goodreads reviewer "The metaphor of the fence is powerful for young readers" - Elementary teacher on Amazon "Beautiful artwork but wished for more depth to the story" - Parent reviewer

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor In 1930s Mississippi, a young Black girl learns about racial injustice while her family fights to keep their land and dignity.

White Socks Only by Evelyn Coleman A Black girl's encounter with a segregated drinking fountain in the Jim Crow South leads to a moment of community resistance.

Ruby Bridges Goes to School by Ruby Bridges The true story of a six-year-old Black student who became the first to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans.

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles Two boys, one Black and one white, discover the impact of segregation when their town's public pool closes rather than integrate.

Wings by Christopher Myers Two children from different backgrounds form a connection despite societal barriers that attempt to keep them apart.

🏆 The book received the Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year award in 2002 and was named an ALA Notable Children's Book. 🎨 Illustrator E.B. Lewis visited actual segregated neighborhoods to accurately capture the setting in his watercolor illustrations, spending time observing fences, houses, and communities. ✍️ Jacqueline Woodson wrote this story inspired by her own childhood experiences in Greenville, South Carolina, during the 1960s and early 1970s. 🌟 Despite being published in 2001, the book gained renewed attention during the social justice movements of 2020, becoming a frequently recommended resource for teaching children about racism and segregation. 🔄 The fence in the story was based on real segregation barriers that existed in many American towns through the 1960s, including actual fences, railroad tracks, and roads that physically divided communities by race.