Crossing Jordan

Twelve-year-old Cassie narrates the dramatic events that unfold when Jemmie, an African-American girl, and her family move in next door. Despite their parents' deeply held prejudice against each other's family--exemplified by the fence Cassie's father builds between their two houses--the girls find they share more similarities than differences. Mutual interests in reading and running draw them together, and their wariness of each other disappears. But when their parents find out about the burgeoning friendship, each girl is forbidden to see the other. A family crisis and celebration provide opportunities for the families to reach an understanding.Author Adrian Fogelin addresses the complex issues of bigotry and tolerance with sensitivity and intelligence. Readers will find her story of how two adolescent girls, through their own example, teach racial tolerance to the adults in a small Florida town powerful and compelling.

Adrian Fogelin earned a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and worked as a librarian and as an illustrator for the Baltimore Zoo. The author of several novels for middle readers and young adults, Adrian makes regular appearances in schools and libraries and teaches creative writing. Her special interests include managing family land for wildlife conservation, running a food bank and library for her neighborhood, and singing in a duo called Hot Tamale. She lives in Florida.

Suzy Schultz is an illustrator and fine artist. She lives in Georgia.