The Other Side
By Jacqueline Woodson
The Story
A Black girl named Clover is told it isn't safe to cross the fence separating her side of town from the white side where Anna lives — so the two girls find a way to be together anyway, by sitting on top of it.
Why It's Special
For families ready to talk about the lines grown-ups draw and the kids who quietly find ways around them, this is a gentle, honest place to start.
- Big idea: Friendship can exist on top of a divide even before the divide itself comes down.
- Vibes: Quiet, tender, and thoughtful, with a slow summer warmth.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are curious about fairness and why rules exist
- are ready to talk about race and segregation in an age-appropriate way
- respond well to quiet, character-driven stories
- love stories about unlikely friendships
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: How did Clover and Anna find a way to be friends even with the fence between them?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Clover felt when her mom said it wasn't safe to cross to the other side?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever made a new friend even though someone said you shouldn't?
- Imagination: If you had a fence like Clover and Anna's, what would you want to do on top of it?
- Big ideas: Why do you think sitting on the fence together felt like a good solution to Clover and Anna?
