One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams

 One Crazy Summer

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2010. One Crazy Summer. New York, NY: Amistad. ISBN 978-0-06-076088-5

 PLOT SUMMARY

 In One Crazy Summer, eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta, and Fern. She's had to be, ever since their mother, Cecile, left them seven years ago for a radical new life in California. But when the sisters arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with their mother, Cecile is nothing like they imagined. While the girls hope to go to Disneyland and meet Tinker Bell, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer. This novel was the first featured title for Marley D’s Reading Party, launched after the success of #1000BlackGirlBooks. Maria Russo, in a New York Times list of "great kids' books with diverse characters," called it "witty and original."

 CRITICAL ANALYSIS

 Consider the relationship between mother and daughters.  In this story an 11-year-old Delphine narrates the story of the summer in which she and her two younger sisters spend time in California while all along their mother is not present or in the picture for most of the story.  Delphine looks upon her inner voice, which shows her ability to stand and tell her story.  Switching between an older sister and a pseudo mother has its rewards and consequences.  The reader will find it easy to follow and identify two characters she becomes in the story.

 As stated before, the relationship between the sisters and the mother is presented in a manner that could occur in recent times.  Young readers can comprehend the obstacles that arise between a mother and daughter. The reader can also relate to the emotions and frustrations to which the story itself encourages the reader to make connections in their own lives.

Cultural significance is however, many past words are used that a modern reader may not except for example the word “black” as we know now that it is better to say “African American”, in this story Delphine and her sisters don’t mind identifying themselves as “black” compared to “colored”.  The plot offers readers of all ages an understanding of the differences between races in the time the book is occurring. The story of Delphine and her sisters is awe-inspiring and would be enjoyed by readers over the age of 10.

 REVIEW EXCERPTS

·                  2011 Coretta Scott King Award Winner

·                  2011 Newbery Honor Book

·                  2011 Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction

·                  2010 National Book Award Finalist

·                  Junior Library Guild Selection

·                  Texas Library Association Best Book for 2010

·                  New York Times Editor’s Choice

·                  Spring 2010 Junior Library Guild Selection

 

Starred Review in Booklist: "Set during a pivotal moment in African American history, this vibrant novel shows the subtle ways that political movements affect personal lives; but just as memorable is the finely drawn, universal story of children reclaiming a reluctant parent’s love.”

Starred Review in Kirkus Reviews: “Each girl has a distinct response to her motherless state, and Williams-Garcia provides details that make each characterization crystal clear. The depiction of the time is well done, and while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page.”

Starred Review in Hornbook: “The setting and time period are as vividly realized as the characters, and readers will want to know more about Delphine and her sisters after they return to Brooklyn...”

 Starred Review in School Library Journal: “Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility. With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading.”

CONNECTIONS

 * A book that focuses on the unique issues for children who grew up during the Black Power movement in the United States.

 *Other books written by Rita Williams-Garcia:

P.S. Be Eleven. ISBN 978-0061938627

Like Sisters on the Homefront.  ISBN 978-0140385618