ONE CRAZY SUMMER

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2009. One Crazy Summer. New York. HarperCollins e-books.

ISBN # 978-0-06-196667-5

AWARDS:

Coretta Scott King Book Award 2011

John Newbery Medal Honor Book 2011

Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction 2011

PLOT SUMMARY:

            It is the summer of 1968 and Delphine Gaither and her two younger sisters begin a journey to visit their mother. While it is not unheard of for children to visit a parent in the summer, this visit was to be anything but normal. The girls have not seen or heard from their mother since she walked out on them when they were little. When they arrive, their mother comes across as uncaring and she does not want them to be with her. She views the girls as a hindrance and does not even feed them or take care of them. It is up to Delphine to take care of her sisters and stay out of trouble. The girls spend most of their summer at a Black Panther Summer Camp because their mother doesn’t want to be bothered with them. During the course of their stay, they learn a little about the civil rights movement and they also view first hand some of the racial issues the negro people faced during this time. By the end of the book, the girls are drawn closer to their mother and a bond is forged.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

            Told from the perspective of Delphine who is an 11 year old negro girl, Williams-Garcia takes three girls from Oakland and places them in an environment that is totally out of their comfort zone and worlds away from a loving father and grandmother. Girls who have to take care of their younger siblings will relate to Delphine and her attempts to take care of her sisters. Other girls will relate to Vonetta and Fern who do not like to be “bossed” about at the hands of an older sibling.  

Rita Williams-Garcia’s softer portrayal of the Black Panther Party is a direct contrast to the ruthless and violent characterizations that we often associate with this group. The history and events of the party and this important time in black history blend nicely with the story to lend an authenticity to the book that makes it believable and educational.

REVIEWS:

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.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading.

CONNECTIONS:

            *Students may do further research on the Black Panther Party, its history and ideals,

            * Students may research the Civil Rights movement at this time and compare how it relates and affects the world today.

            * Discuss different types of families and responsibilities. (one parent, two parent, sibling relationships, etc..)