The Jacket

Written by Andrew Clements

Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2002

“I’m prejudiced, and I didn’t even know it.” (38)

Summary: It all starts when Phil’s little brother forgets his lunch money. As Phil is scanning the halls for him, he spots his little brother’s jacket. But there’s one problem, his little brother isn’t the one wearing it. Instead, it’s worn by Daniel, a black student Phil had never seen before. After falsely accusing Daniel of stealing the jacket, Phil beings to notice for the first time, the differences between black and white. He notices that his neighborhood is made up of almost entirely white people, that the black kids ride a different bus home, and even that his own father seems to be racist. As Phil starts to notice the world around him, he begins to wonder, is he prejudiced?

Awards and Acclaim:

• Bank Street College Best Children’s Books
• The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003

Reading Level:  Lexile Framework: 640L, Grade Level 3-4

Suggested Delivery:  Independent Read

Description: Fiction, Diversity, Prejudice and Tolerance

Key Vocabulary: instinctively (18), prejudiced (37)

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Before reading, ask students what the word “prejudiced” means to them. This can be done through short, times, writing, small-group discussions or other formats. Have students share their ideas. This will be an appropriate and open-minded introduction to the novel.
2. Ask students to reflect on a time they had a misunderstanding. This can be done before, during or after reading. Have students write about their misunderstanding by chronicling the disagreement itself, the climax and the resolution, if there was one. Encourage students to share how this misunderstanding made them and others feel, and how/if it could have been avoided.
3. Although Phil becomes the main focus of the story, his parents also play a role in the idea that he may be prejudiced.  After conducting the discussion going along with the After Reading activity listed blow, briefly talk about Phil’s parents responses to his ideas about prejudiced. Do his parents seem to be racist themselves? Do they seem to play a role in Phil’s fear that he may be prejudiced?

Comprehension Strategies:

Before Reading:  Have students complete an anticipation guide. Read students the summary on the back of the book. Then, using what they have discussed about the word prejudiced and misunderstandings have them anticipate what might happen. Encourage them to flip through the book, focusing on chapter titles and images. Students should include a conflict and potential resolution in their anticipation guides.

During Reading: Students will complete a sequence chain. This will chronicle the sequence of events in the story, connecting cause and effect relationships. Help  students get started by filling in the first spot on the sequence chain with “Phil’s brother forgets his lunch money. Phil goes looking for him. He spots Daniel wearing his brother’s jacket”. Remind students to focus on main events, not small details. Students will complete the rest of the sequence chain on their own.

After Reading: Throughout the novel, Phil wonders if he would have treated Daniel differently if he was white. Ask students whether or not they think Phil is really prejudiced. Divide students into small groups and ask them to cite at least 5 pieces of evidence from the story to support their opinion. Then, reconvene as a whole group and compare the arguments for and against the idea that Phil is/is not prejudiced.

Writing Activity: At the end of the story, Phil apologizes to Daniel for making assumptions and gives him the jacket back. Then, they have lunch together but don’t speak much. They only exchange brief words as Lucy brings Phil home. Have students write another chapter to The Jacket. Will Phil and Daniel have a relationship now? What will it be like at school for them? Will Daniel wear the jacket now? Encourage imagination and creativity!

Electronic Resources:

• Teaching Guide A reading and Discussion guide to The Jacket.
• Author's Website Andrew Clements’ website includes his bio, reading guides for all of his books and additional information the author and his work.

Clements, A. (2002). The Jacket. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.