TL;DR
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia tells the story of three sisters who spend a transformative summer with their estranged mother in 1968 Oakland, California, learning about family, identity, and social change.
What is One Crazy Summer about
One Crazy Summer, written by Rita Williams-Garcia, is a historical novel set in 1968. It follows Delphine, an eleven-year-old girl, and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, as they travel from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend the summer with their estranged mother, Cecile. Abandoned by Cecile seven years earlier, the sisters harbor hopes of a joyous reunion, but their mother is not what they imagined. Instead of Disneyland, they find themselves at a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Throughout this 'crazy' summer, the girls learn invaluable lessons about their family, their country, and themselves. The novel won several awards, including the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction and the Coretta Scott King Award.
One Crazy Summer 7 Key Takeaways
Arrival in Oakland
Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern arrive in Oakland, anticipating a joyful reunion with their mother, Cecile, who abandoned them seven years prior.
Cecile's Indifference
Instead of the loving mother they imagined, they find Cecile to be distant and preoccupied with her own life, giving little attention to her daughters.
Black Panther Day Camp
Cecile sends the girls to a Black Panther-run day camp, where they begin to learn about political activism and social issues affecting their community.
Growing Sisterhood
As the sisters navigate their complex relationship with Cecile, they grow closer to each other, relying on their sisterly bond for support and understanding.
Personal and Political Awakening
The girls experience a personal awakening as they become more informed about their heritage and the societal struggles of African Americans during the civil rights movement.
Cecile's Arrest
Cecile is arrested for her political activities, forcing the girls to fend for themselves and further deepening their understanding of their mother's choices.
Reconciliation and Return
By the end of the summer, the girls experience a form of reconciliation with Cecile, returning to Brooklyn with a renewed sense of identity and an appreciation for their mother's sacrifices.
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One Crazy Summer Best Reviews
- "This vibrant and moving award-winning novel has heart to spare," commented Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich in her Brightly article.
- "Witty and original," said Maria Russo in a New York Times list of "great kids' books with diverse characters."
Top One Crazy Summer Quotes
- "It's funny how the people who know the least about you always have the most to say."
- "The power of a strong sisterhood is stronger than any obstacle."
Who should read One Crazy Summer?
One Crazy Summer is ideal for middle-grade readers and young adults who enjoy historical fiction and stories about family dynamics. Readers interested in the civil rights movement, Black history, and social justice will find this novel particularly enlightening and inspiring.
One Crazy Summer FAQs
What is the main theme of One Crazy Summer?
The main theme revolves around family, identity, and social justice, as the three sisters navigate their relationship with their estranged mother and their newfound understanding of the civil rights movement.
Is One Crazy Summer based on a true story?
While the novel is set against the real historical backdrop of the 1968 civil rights movement, the characters and their specific experiences are fictional.
What age group is One Crazy Summer suitable for?
The book is suitable for middle-grade readers and young adults, typically those aged 10 and above, due to its historical context and themes of family and social justice.