The Jacket

In Andrew Clements' 'The Jacket,' Phil, a white schoolboy, mistakenly accuses Daniel, an African-American student, of stealing his brother's jacket. This incident sparks a profound internal struggle for Phil, as he questions whether his assumption was rooted in unconscious racial bias. The book delves into the unsettling truths Phil uncovers about his neighborhood, his family's bigotry, and his own identity. Praised for its direct approach to a timely message, this chapter book is an excellent springboard for dialogue about tolerance, self-honesty, and different types of racism, making it a valuable tool for parents and educators.

Thief! When Phil sees another kid wearing his brother's jacket, he assumes the jacket was stolen. It turns out he was wrong, and Phil has to ask himself the question: Would he have made the same assumption if the boy wearing the jacket hadn't been African American? And that question leads to others that reveal some unsettling truths about Phil's neighborhood, his family, and even himself.