Spring 2019, Wild Readers 5 discussion

One Crazy Summer written by Rita Williams caught my eye because it has won a Newbury Medal award and the Coretta Scott King award which are two awards I have previously studied about. Those two honorable awards speak for the book itself. I thought this book was really amazing because it conveyed meaningful messages for children like responsibility, respect and moving past stereotypes. I really liked how it was set back in the late ’60s in Oakland, during a time when racism was extremely common and “black power” was coming about. Because it was based in the ’60s, I thought it was also an awesome story for readers to learn history through. My favorite character was one of the sisters, Vonetta, because she had a sense of humor and innocence to her. She also loves playing pranks which I thought was super fun and I can totally relate to. This book also touched my feelings because it is three sisters supporting one another who are almost longing for a mother’s love. When the mother clearly doesn’t have positive, loving intentions it is heartbreaking! One other part of the book I thought was interesting is when Cecile is arrested, it goes to show how strict and crazy that time was. I really liked how accurately this story was depicted and I think incorporating this as a classroom read would teach children a positive message and important information about history. Overall, I absolutely loved the book and thought it would be such an amazing book to read with your class.