One Crazy Summer
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2010. One Crazy Summer. New York, NY: Amistad. ISBN 978-0-06-076088-5
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this expertly crafted book, Williams-Garcia shares the
story of three young sisters who are sent to California by their father to
spend a month with the mother who abandoned them. The girls have always been told that the
mother was a selfish individual who lacks any maternal instinct; upon their
arrival in California, it appears that this is true. The girls are made to relinquish their money
and are instructed to obtain meals at a local center run by the political
group, the Black Panthers. In addition
to food, the three young girls receive an eye opening education about being
black in America. The girls also learn about their mother and their
relationship with her in a summer that they will never forget.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Nearly 12 year old Delphine tells the story of the summer
that she and her two younger sisters spend in California with their absent
mother. Delphine lends a strong voice to
the story; her ability to bridge the responsibilities of being an older sister and a pseudo-mother is
touching, and the reader will be able to identify with both voices.
The relationship between the sisters and the mother is
presented in a manner that could occur in recent times. The relationship challenges that arise
between mothers and daughters, or other absent parents, is clearly presented in
a manner that young readers can comprehend.
The developing relationship and subsequent emotions and frustrations are
as relevant in the 1960’s as they are today, and the story encourages the
reader to make correlations to their own lives and experiences.
This Newbery Honor book does an exemplary job sharing the
role of the Black Panthers in the racially charged 1960’s. Modern readers may be confused by the term
“black” as the politically correct term is now “African American.” However, as Delphine and her sisters become
more comfortable identifying with the term “black” versus “colored”, the reader
also embraces the cultural and timely significance of its use. This plot development allows readers of all
ages to comprehend the complexities of race relations during that time
period. The integration of the Black
Panthers into the storyline authenticates the setting and time frame of the
story.
Williams-Garcia includes a small addendum in the back of the
book crediting a Black Panther publication in guiding her towards the correct context
that was necessary in properly describing the time period of the book. Even
without this added authenticity, the story of Delphine and her sisters is
awe-inspiring and would be enjoyed by readers over the age of 10.
4. 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.”
5. 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
*Books that deal
with racial relations during the Vietnam War era:
Lai, Thanhha. Inside Out and Back Again. ISBN 978-0061962783
Magoon, Kekla. The Rock
and the River. ISBN 978-1416978039