the other side: shorter poems written by angela johnson

Johnson, Angela. The Other Side: Shorter Poems. New York: Orchard Books, 1998. ISBN: 0531301141.

Critical Analysis:
     The Other Side is compiled of forty-two short poems that detail the memories recounted by a young girl growing up in the late 1970’s. This title is an example of social studies poetry, which provides readers with insight on the happenings during this certain period of time. Throughout this compilation the author includes certain descriptions that detail the times and circumstances during and directly proceeding the Civil Rights Movement. In the Spotlight Poem below, “Counters,” the author states ‘My Uncle Fred has a slash across his face from some redneck trying to stop him from ordering a lemonade from a lunch counter in Montgomery;’ this depicts the social injustices faced by African-Americans during a certain period of time when whites felt as if their race were superior to non whites and when they would proceed in violent acts in order to deter the fight against equality among races -- especially in the South.  Due to the basis of this compilation being a recount of is memories, the author uses a great deal of descriptive language so that her audience is able to visualize the extent of her content. Words such as, ‘red lights in the cold night’ and ‘crack the ice in the puddle,’ are lines that provide readers with descriptions that coincide with more than one of the five senses. The author, Angela Johnson, touches her audience by providing them with a portrayal of what it was like during a dire period of time in history in a subtle manner than does not divert readers who may not be fond of history and social aspects of the past.
 
Spotlight Poem:

"Counters"

My Uncle Fred has a slash
across his face from
some redneck
trying to
stop him from ordering
a lemonade from a lunch counter
in Montgomery.
When the weather changes, it
aches him, he says,
but smiles when
he says it, whenever he says it.
All m mama could remember
was how Grandmama had
screamed and
talked about
leaving the South.
All I can think is
how terrible it was
and how beautiful
it made him.

                      - Angela Johnson

Connections:

• The purpose of this form of poetry is to introduce this social topic. Read this short compilation to children and ask them what aspects they heard that collaborate with history, such as blacks sitting at diner counters to only be denied service.
• Follow up with the movie Selma and The Butler which depict social injustices during the Civil Rights Movement that include depictions of counter sit ins.
• Dissect each poem and provide students with the historical content as it relates to the content of each line and poem. 
• Bring to the attention of children of the imagery and the dialogue used to describe the circumstances that are being recounted.