The latest in my series of book blurbs is the story, One
Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. This is a wonderfully written piece of historical fiction is centerd around themes related to civil rights, identity, and forgiveness. One Crazy Summer has been named for an array of awards including, but not limited to: The Coretta Scott King Award Winner (2011); Newbery Honor Book (2011); Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction (2011); National Book Award Finalist (2010); Junior Library Guild Selection; Texas Library Association Best Book (2010).
Williams-Garcia has crafted fun and relatable story that brings you back in time to the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. The main characters in the story are the three sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern. These young black grils embark on a journey from New York to
Oakland, California to meet their estranged mother, Cecile.
Once in California, it is up to Delphine to take care of he younger sisters Vonetta and Fern, while Cecile is exhibiting suspicions behavior and appears to be involved with the Black Panthers. When first arriving in Cecile’s home, the girls are not allowed in the kitchen, are forced to Chinese eat take out every night, and when kicked out of the house everyday, the girls attend a summer youth program put on by members of the Black Panthers.
With heavy controversy surrounding them, the girls are faces with several heavy life decisions. Nearing the end of the book, the girls participate in a demonstration for the Black Panther youth camp. At this event the girls begin to show and demonstrate the changes that have occurred with them over the course of this summer. Though they may have resisted it at first, they come to realize that all they truly wanted was acceptance from their mother.
Once in California, it is up to Delphine to take care of he younger sisters Vonetta and Fern, while Cecile is exhibiting suspicions behavior and appears to be involved with the Black Panthers. When first arriving in Cecile’s home, the girls are not allowed in the kitchen, are forced to Chinese eat take out every night, and when kicked out of the house everyday, the girls attend a summer youth program put on by members of the Black Panthers.
With heavy controversy surrounding them, the girls are faces with several heavy life decisions. Nearing the end of the book, the girls participate in a demonstration for the Black Panther youth camp. At this event the girls begin to show and demonstrate the changes that have occurred with them over the course of this summer. Though they may have resisted it at first, they come to realize that all they truly wanted was acceptance from their mother.
I can honestly say that One Crazy Summer is unlike any other book I have ready before. Not only was it a diverse topic, but it was simply an interesting story. I have not ready many books about this time in history, so I really
enjoyed it.
I specifically loved the dynamic between the characters. I thought it was beautifully artistic to see how the sisters' relationships grew and changed through out the story. The dynamic between the three sisters remind me of my mom and her three sisters. They were always after the best intentions, but had to cross a few hurdles along the way. Whether it be a conflict of personalities, seeking independence and individuality, or full on battles between sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern definitely kept things interesting.
It is apparent that there are many lessons to be taken away from this story, for both children and adults. If I were to use this book in the classroom, I would first build students’ background era, the 1960s. In order to accomplish this, students would benefit from completing a webquest that reviewed the major historical figures discussed in this book, as well as the controversies presented in the book.
I specifically loved the dynamic between the characters. I thought it was beautifully artistic to see how the sisters' relationships grew and changed through out the story. The dynamic between the three sisters remind me of my mom and her three sisters. They were always after the best intentions, but had to cross a few hurdles along the way. Whether it be a conflict of personalities, seeking independence and individuality, or full on battles between sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern definitely kept things interesting.
It is apparent that there are many lessons to be taken away from this story, for both children and adults. If I were to use this book in the classroom, I would first build students’ background era, the 1960s. In order to accomplish this, students would benefit from completing a webquest that reviewed the major historical figures discussed in this book, as well as the controversies presented in the book.
While reading the novel aloud, independently, in small groups, or in literature circles, students could utilize response journals to study various reading skill including:
- Character
Analysis
- Comparison and
Contrast
- Plot Development
- Poetry Study
In writing,
students could write short historical fiction stories, stories about their
crazy summers, poetry, etc. Teachers could use the following resources to generate ideas for units of study, student discussion packets, etc...
For your viewing pleasure, I have decided to share this clip of author Rita Williams-Garcia discussing her award winning novel, One Crazy Summer.
Have you read One Crazy Summer? If so, what was your initial reaction to this tale? How would you incorporate this into you classroom? I would love to hear you lesson ideas!
Thanks for stopping by!
Jamie
No comments:
Post a Comment