Book Choice: The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Once in a while, you come across a book so perfect, so beautiful and important in story and matched wonderfully with its storytelling artwork, that you pick it up again and again, even as an adult. 

Jacqueline Woodson has written several books that my readers and I LOVE, but something about this one makes my kiddos open up a reflective dialogue every time it gets read. It shows curiosity on both sides about a possible friend, but also the real (or artificial) barriers put in place to keep them apart. Yet, it unfolds so gently, it often leads them to wonder, “Why can’t they be friends?” 

Clover and Annie bridge this divide by letting their friendly natures overcome the barriers, and find a way to be together and get to know each other. Once they do, they explore the ways they are similar, rather than the ways they are different, leading to new knowledge and friendship. 

I love the way this plays out, and Woodson’s word choice and descriptions are on point. Children as young as Kindergarten have warmed to this book and its message, and asked important questions during and after this read.

 

The illustrations add to the perspectives in the book, and, when simply doing a picture walk through this book, you can see the story unfold. The message is deep and the seeds of hope it sows are so important to share with our upcoming generations.

Note: This is not a new book - it was first published 23 years ago. Hope is a living thing - hopefully, it has grown since then and will continue to keep growing ... 

Have fun reading :)