One Crazy Summer

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2010. One Crazy Summer. New York, NY: Amistad. ISBN 978-0-06076088-5

PLOT SUMMARY

Eleven year old Delphine and her two sisters, Vonetta and Fern, are forced to travel to California, for the summer, to visit the mother that left them behind. Not knowing what to expect, the girls soon find out that nothing has changed. Their mother, Cecile, is too caught up in her own life to be a mother. Delphine and her sisters learn that their mom is involved with the Black Panthers and end up attending their summer camp, where they learn a lot about the group and themselves.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This novel is told from the point of view of eleven year old Delphine. Although she is just a child herself, she is forced to play the role of mom to her two younger sisters. Her character is very believable and the relationship between the sisters is heartwarming. Even though the story is mainly told from Delphine’s perspective, the two sisters add a comical element. The emotional relationship between the girls and their mother is something that many readers could relate to. In one part, Delphine reflects on the relationship with her mother and says, “I didn’t want to say Big Ma was right. Cecile was no kind of mother. Cecile didn’t want us. Cecile was crazy. I didn’t have to.” 

Williams-Garcia provides a detailed look into the racial struggles during the 1960’s. Set in Oakland California, the Black Panthers played a big role during the time, lending authenticity to the plot. During the story, the author makes references to famous African Americans such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Huey Newton, which adds more context for the historical aspect of the text. While attending the summer camp, the girls helped make “Free Huey” posters. The inclusion of this real event adds more detail to help the reader make connections to the time period. Williams-Garcia also uses the characters to add a genuineness to the plot when she writes, “Cecile made it sound like it was no big deal. "I've been fighting for freedom all my life." But she wasn't talking about protest signs, standing up to the Man, and knowing your rights. She was talking about her life. Just her. Not the people.” This gives a personal aspect to the feelings during the racially charged 60’s.

Some of the wording might be geared more towards an older reader, as the novel deals with racial issues.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

*Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction

*Coretta Scott King Award Winner

*Newbery Honor Book

*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."

*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.”

CONNECTIONS

*Invite students to read other books that deal with similar themes:

Lai, Thanhha.  Inside Out and Back Again.  ISBN 978-0061962783

Dean Myers, Walter. Mouse Trap. ISBN 9780064403566

*Invite students to do an author study and read other books written by Rita Williams-Garcia:

P.S. Be Eleven. ISBN 978-0061938627

Like Sisters on the Homefront.  ISBN 978-0140385618