The Other Side

Title: The Other Side

Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
Published by: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Clover has always wondered why a fence separates the black side of town from the white side. Her Moma told her it was to keep her safe and not to ever go over the fence. So she did just what her Moma said she never went over the fence. But this summer when Annie, a white girl from the other side, begins to sit on the fence, Clover grows more curious about the reason why the fence is there and about the little white girl who sits on it, rain or shine. Clover has to stay inside when it rains and it rained a lot that summer. But Annie is free to whatever she wants to on her side of the fence either rain or shine. She stomps in the mud puddles and plays by herself. And one day, feeling very brave, Clover approaches Annie. After all, why should a fence stand in the way of friendship? You have to read the book to find out the ending.

Earl B. Lewis's  lifelike watercolor illustrations are just amazing. The way that she spreads the illustrations over three quarters of the two page spread gives it so much more depth.I also like how both use white space as a time to reflect on what is going on in the story and the pictures.The pictures are detailed enough but not overwhelming. They set the ambiance for the story and Jacqueline Woodson gives us a moving, lyrical narrative told in the hopeful voice of a child that is confused about the fence someone else has built in her yard and the racial tension that divides her world. I like that is told from a different point of view other than that of a white person.