1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2010. ONE CRAZY SUMMER. Narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson. ISBN 9781449821968
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Delphine is an eleven year old who is sent by their father with her younger sister’s Fern and Vonetta to spend the summer with their mother(Cecile) who had abandoned them years earlier.
It is the summer of 68’ in Oakland when African-Americans were facing discrimination and the Black Panthers formulated to serve the needs of the oppressed people.
When they arrive to visit their mother she makes it clear that she wants nothing to do with her children and basically allows them to fend for themselves. Cecile sends her daughters who are a nuisance to her to a summer camp run by the Black Panthers. Delphine begins to understand what the Black Panthers represent and even take part in the rallies. Delphine realizes that her mother is a poet with the Black Panthers and is known as Sister Nzilla. All through the story Delphine and her sisters want the love of their mother and it seems they almost get it when Delphine reads something her mother wrote. However, Delphine comes to the conclusion that she is on her own but her experiences change her in a way she did not expect.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Williams-Garcia educates the reader of some of the charitable programs they set up. She portrays the Black Panther’s in a positive light. Delphine who is the oldest has a burden of being a mother to her two sisters. When reading the book one can only sympathize for Delphine. Williams-Garcia makes you believe that these characters are real people. This story is about overcoming , prejudice, self acceptance and forgiveness. The theme of this book is about family and close bondness. The center of this family bond is their grandma. She grounds them through her religion. While reading this novel the reader can see that actual characters in the mind as she makes them real. While it is a historical fiction I can only contemplate how difficult it was for a child to grow up in times when racial discrimination was prevalent in our society and have to feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. The use of the word “Negro” in this story is a word that is not accepted in today’s society. I feel the author pushed the limits and we must be cautious about how we address people. We need to learn from the past mistakes as part of history. On the back of the book Williams-Garcia acknowledges the articles, books as well as interviews that helped her write the book. She also makes reference to the Black Panthers help in her book. What a great book to read in February’s Black history month. This book will make children appreciate their roots and show an appreciation for their loved ones.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) AND AWARDS:
Review from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Delphine's growing awareness
of injustice on a personal and universal level is smoothly woven into the story
in poetic language that will stimulate and move readers.”
Starred review from 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.”
KIRKUS review: “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.”
*The Coretta Scott King Award and the Newberry Honor Book.
*Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award Winner
*School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
*Newbery Medal Honor Book
5. CONNECTIONS
*Complete a character analysis on Delphine and see how she changes from the beginning of the
book to the end.
*Read books about civil rights movement and write a reflection on”What would you do if you...?”
*Read the poems, WHAT HAPPENED TO A DREAM DEFERRED?, DREAMS, and
CHILDREN’S RHYMES by Langston Hughes. What would Cecile think of these poems? How
about Delphine?
* Ask questions about who they can most relate to? Why?
Delphine, Vonetta and Fern
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