The Other Side
Written by: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
Published by: Putnam’s Sons, 2001
32 pages
Diverse
During a time of segregation, the only thing that can conquer the racial divide between blacks and whites is the friendship of two young girls. although they cannot cross the fence to play with one another, they find a loophole to their parents’ wishes and sit on top of the fence together.
E.B. Lewis’ watercolor illustrations are not only beautiful; they depict the interracial friendship of the young girls that engages the reader. The illustrations play with light, darkness, and shadows.
I would use this book in fourth grade to introduce the Civil Rights Movement and the events leading up to integration and African American rights, using the following Social Studies standard:
14) Analyze the modern Civil Rights Movement to determine the social, political, and economic impact on Alabama.
Despite the events we see on the news daily signifying the division of Americans, children can hardly imagine a time when black and white children could not be friends. This story is a perfect example of two children that stood up for what was right, even when everyone else thinks it is wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment