Ordering Books for One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

No order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of books for One Crazy Summer now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!

Bulk Order Discounts: Order 5 or more books (same title) and save 15%. Order Online: Order online with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, or PayPal. Order By Mail: Send your order with a school/district check. No personal checks accepted.

About the Book One Crazy Summer

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia is a historical novel set in 1968. It tells the story of three sisters—Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern Gaither—who travel from New York to Oakland, California, to spend the summer with their estranged mother, Cecile Johnson.

Upon their arrival, the girls are met with a cold reception from their mother, who insists they stay out of her kitchen where she works on her poetry under the name Nzila. Instead of spending time with them, Cecile sends the girls to a day camp run by the Black Panther Party.

At the camp, the sisters learn about the Black Panthers’ community efforts, such as providing free breakfast and education. They also face challenges, including dealing with members who criticize them for not being “black enough.” Over time, Delphine, the eldest, takes on a protective role, ensuring her sisters are safe and cared for.

The summer becomes a transformative experience for the girls as they navigate their complex relationship with their mother and gain a deeper understanding of their identity and the social changes happening around them. By the end of their stay, they perform one of Cecile’s poems at a political rally, symbolizing their growth and newfound connection with their mother.

This novel beautifully captures themes of family, identity, and social activism, making it a compelling read for both young and adult audiences.

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It takes a long time to gather all the data for our new book page format with more useful descriptions, themes, and activity ideas. Meanwhile, this page is active so you can order books; it just isn't quite as informative or graphically appealing as the new page will be. Thanks for understanding! :-)

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