The Jacket (book) facts for kids
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First edition
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| Author | Andrew Clements |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Racism |
| Genre | Children's fiction |
| Published | 2001, Boston Globe (serialization) 2003, Atheneum Books |
| Media type | Print, ebook |
| Pages | 89 pages |
| ISBN | 0756914345 |
The Jacket is a children's book written by Andrew Clements. It first appeared in 2001 as a story printed in parts in Boston Globe newspaper. Later, in 2003, it was published as a full book by Atheneum Books.
This book tells the story of a young boy. He learns that even if he doesn't think he's unfair or racist, he might still have hidden ideas about people. These ideas can make him quickly think the worst about someone, especially a Black student at his school.
Andrew Clements got the idea for the book from something that happened in his own life. His brother once thought an African-American boy had taken his jacket. He then confronted the boy about it. Since it came out, The Jacket has been used in classrooms. It helps students understand different kinds of racism and how our hidden thoughts can affect us.
What's the Story About?
The main character in the book is a schoolboy named Phil. Phil has always believed he is not racist. But he has to think again when he accuses Daniel of stealing a special jacket. Daniel is African-American. He received the jacket as a gift from his grandmother. She works for Phil's mother as a housekeeper. The grandmother got the jacket as a hand-me-down, meaning it was given to her after someone else used it.
Phil quickly starts to wonder about his actions. He asks himself if he would have acted differently if Daniel had been white instead of Black. Phil feels very troubled by these thoughts. He looks at the people around him and realizes something sad. He might have been influenced by his father, who openly shows unfair opinions about people.
