Once Crazy Summer

Bibliography

Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer. New York: Amistad, 2010.  

ISBN:  978-0060760908

Plot Summary

In 1968, eleven year old Delphine lived with her father and resided in Brooklyn, New York. Delphine and her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, embark on a trip to visit their estranged mother for a summer in Oakland, California. Delphine, being the eldest, was concerned about visiting their mother after their mother had abandoned them few years prior. When they arrive to their mothers’ house, Delphine finds herself being responsible for her siblings as she realizes her mother has no interest in taking care of her and the girls. Though her mother spends much time in the kitchen to their surprise, she never provided meals for the girls. Delphine and her siblings eventually begin attending a revolutionary camp where they learn about The Black Panther movement and their ideology. What they learn from Black Panter camp helped shape their perspective on their identify.  Do Delphine and her sisters forgive mother during their time with her?

Critical Analysis

The story is set in 1968 where we see Delphine and her sisters share their involvement in  revolutionary movement in the eyes of an eleven year old who is sent to the camp by their mother. We see historically significant events and even their introduction to the Black Panther movement. After they immerse themselves into the events at the camp, we learn about the movement and provides the misconceptions and defines the ideology of the Black Panther movement. We also see mention of different important historical figures and events such as Huey Newton, Muhammad Ali, and the Vietnam War.

Along with that, the development of Delphine as she is hurled into a situation of having to become responsible, building courage to take care of her siblings, and creating her understanding of the civil rights movement. The protagonist, Delphine, is seen growing into a young lady who faces fear and builds courage while feeling abandoned by their mother as they live with her. Readers can create a connection to a typical eleven year old who has a crush on a boy down the street, but lives in prejudicial time. Delphine defines the notion of love and how feeling secure can create peace with oneself.

Overall, the fictional plot includes historical events that can capture young readers and provide insight on an eleven year old girl dealing with many different experiences in her life.

Review Excerpts and Awards

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

From Booklist:  “Regimented, responsible, strong-willed Delphine narrates in an unforgettable voice, but each of the sisters emerges as a distinct, memorable character, whose hard-won, tenuous connections with their mother build to an aching, triumphant conclusion. 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.”

From 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

Other books by Rita Williams-Garcia

Like Sisters on the Homefront

Jumped

Blue Tights

No Laughter Here

Jumped

Connections in the Classroom

Visit Rita Williams-Garcias website: https://rita-williamsgarcia.squarespace.com/

Become a Journalist: Students can research about the Black Panther movement. Students can analyze how the depiction of the Black Panther movement may be similar or different from the text based on their research.