The Other Side

Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Plot Summary: Two girls, Clover and Annie, become friends in a small, segregated town.
Posted In: Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy
Discussion Questions
  • Why did the fence stretch through the town?
  • Why wasn’t it safe for Clover to climb over to the other side of the fence?
  • Why was it safe for Annie to climb over to Clover’s side of the fence?
  • Why did Annie want to sit on the fence?
  • Were Clover and Annie friends?
  • Does race define a person? Is it an important part of our identity?
  • Why did Sandra say no when Annie wanted to join the jump rope game, but agreed to let Annie join them later that summer when she was with Clover?
  • What does the fence represent?
  • Are there many kinds of fences?