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The Other Side

Genre: Historical Fiction

Title: The Other Side

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: E. B. Lewis

Awards: N/A

Age Range: 5-8 years old 


Summary: A young is curious about what life is like on the other side of her fence. You see, on the other side of the street, only white people could live there while colored people live on the opposite side. A fence separated the two sides, and Clover's mom told her never to cross that fence. Although, Annie, a girl across the fence, would watch as the other kids play. One day Clover and Annie began talking and sat on the fence together. Clover and all her friends even played jump rope with Annie one time. When the kids grew tired they sat on the fence to relax. As they are sitting, Annie says, "Someday somebody's going to come along and knock this old fence down." Clover just agrees with her, and the story ends there. 

Evaluation: I enjoyed the book because I liked seeing how Clover and Annie's friendship started and grew. I think this book really will make students wonder if anyone ever did go to knock the fence down. This could lead to a great conversation about the civil rights movement, and get students interested to learn more. Also, I would conduct a writing activity where students continue the story with what they think happened. I think this book would be the most beneficial for students in grades 2nd-5th grade. 


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