ONE CRAZY SUMMER

Three sisters travel cross-country to reconnect with the mother who left them behind years ago in this graphic novel adaptation of Williams-Garcia’s highly acclaimed, award-winning 2010 novel.

In the summer of 1968, the Gaither sisters—Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern—leave Brooklyn to visit their mother in Oakland. When they arrive, their mother, Cecile, isn’t particularly welcoming, and Delphine finds herself advocating for her younger sisters’ needs. On their first morning, Cecile sends them to the People’s Center for breakfast and lessons provided by the Black Panthers. Interacting with the other children leads to some sisterly friction, and once again Delphine wishes Cecile would assume a motherly role. But Delphine continues to find ways to keep her sisters engaged, as Cecile expects. After an excursion to San Francisco, the girls return to find the police arresting Cecile and some of her Black Panther acquaintances. Community members help the girls, and adults at the People’s Center plan a rally in the local park, where youngest sister Fern speaks up and surprises the entire community with her revealing insights. As the girls prepare to return home, Cecile and Delphine finally speak frankly, and Delphine begins to understand her mother. Retaining the lively dialogue and strong characterization of the original, this version is enhanced by the wonderfully expressive drawings and use of vibrant color as well as black-and-white panels that highlight the storytelling.

A fresh take for a beloved story that will introduce it to a wider audience.