The Other Side (Realistic or Historical Fiction)

The Other Side, written by Jacqueline Woods and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, is a heart-warming story about a little white girl, Annie, and a little black girl, Clover, who become friends. Throughout most of the book, they just look at each other from across the fence separating the white part of town from the black part of town. Annie sits on the fence watching Clover and her other African-American friends play. Both girls have been told not to cross the fence, but the girls decide that they can be friends and sit on the fence together. Annie eventually has the courage to cross the fence and play with Clover and her friends. I would definitely use this book in my classroom because it is very appropriate for black history month. The theme of courage is very prevalent throughout this book. I feel that the symbolism of the fence is amazing. To me, the fence symbolizes segregation, and the girls think that it will be torn down someday. I would have my students explore its symbolism. I'm sure that I would be surprised with their ideas.