A fence stretches through the town where Clover, the young African American narrator of this story, lives. It is the dividing line between the Black and white sides of the community. The young white girl she sees playing every day, rain or shine, on the other side intrigues Clover. Soon she and other girl, Annie, are talking. While neither is allowed to climb over the fence, they sit together on top of it day after day to the surprise of Clover’s friends, who jump rope nearby. Finally, Annie climbs over with Clover to join the jump rope game. Jacqueline Woodson’s hopeful story takes place around the middle of the 20thcentury, but its message carries great weight at the start of the 21st.The fences to be climbed over today may be more symbolic than literal, but children can nonetheless understand the importance of crossing those divides and making connections. E. B. Lewis’s lovely, light-filled illustrations embody the optimism of the story. Winner, CCBC Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Discussion (Ages 5–8)

Jacqueline Woodson is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

Clover's mom says it isn't safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups' rules by sitting on top of the fence together.

With the addition of a brand-new author's note, this special edition celebrates the tenth anniversary of this classic book. As always, Woodson moves readers with her lyrical narrative, and E. B. Lewis's amazing talent shines in his gorgeous watercolor illustrations.