Crossing Jordan

Crossing Jordan tells the story of Cass, a white twelve-year-old, and Jemmie, her new African-American neighbor, as they navigate a blossoming friendship in the face of their families' ingrained prejudices. Set in a contemporary, realistic world, the book explores themes of racial discrimination, empathy, and the courage it takes to stand up for what's right. It's a poignant and hopeful story about overcoming societal barriers through shared interests like running and classic literature, making it an excellent choice for opening conversations about race, friendship, and family values with children aged 8-12.