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Woodson, Jaqueline. The Other Side. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York, New York. 2001. ISBN 0-399-23116-1

Summary: Two girls, one white, and one black, gradually get to know each other as they sit on the fence that divides their town.

Readability Level: End of year 2nd grade

Review: The Other Side is a thoughtful story set around the 1930's. Two little girls, one black, and one white, break the barrier of prejudice and become friends. The text is simply written. Teachers can quickly read aloud this book and start a deep conversation. The text is thought provoking in the simplest of ways. It's excellent book to integrate with social studies.

Teaching Possibilities: This book is ideal for teaching questioning. Today's child will naturally have questions arise from this text. The questions will be more meaningful when attached to a history lesson. This book also has a strong voice and some excellent dialogue to use as modeled examples of good writing. There are a few excellent character descriptions that are excellent models for teaching writing descriptions with details.

Visit the Author's Website: Jacqueline Woodson