Module 5: Historical Fiction
Title: One Crazy Summer
Bibliography
Williams-Garcia, R. (2011). One Crazy Summer. HarperCollins.
ISBN: 978-0060760908
Plot Summary
It is the summer of 1968, three sisters travel to Oakland, California to see the mother who abandoned them, Cecile. However, it turns out to be nothing like they expected. As soon as the girls get to California, Cecile sends them to a summer camp run by the Black Panthers. In that camp, they discover more about their mother, about the Black Panthers' fight, about their identity, and about the bond between them. Their relationship with their mother does not improve much, but it does help them to keep in touch. Delphine is able to let go of some of the anger towards their mother. Cecile continues fighting discrimination and raising her voice for the cause.
Critical Analysis
One Crazy Summer evokes strong emotions in the reader. The abandonment, and the disappointment when the girls finally think they will be able to reconnect with their mother, do give off the impression that the entire book will be sad and depressing. On the contrary, this book covers so many other important issues that young readers may face and it does it in a simple and unique way.
When it comes to the characters, the three sisters, each has a strong,
independent personality which delights the reader. Their relationship is like any normal relationship amongst siblings. There are disagreements and fights, but there are also moments of love and fun. Delphine is incredible though. She is so mature for her age, so responsible, but at the same time, deep down she is just a child with a huge, unfair burden on her shoulders. Cecile, on the other hand, is the character that creates so many emotions as you read the book. She is probably seen as the “villain” of the story. To some she is cold and heartless, but to others she may be more of a hero fighting for justice.
The main historical event in this novel is the Black Panther movement. This movement was very important in the 1960’s. Some of the words in the book may not be politically correct now, but they still give the reader a clear description of the events.
Review Excerpt(s)
“Delphine is the pitch-perfect older sister, wise beyond her years, an expert at handling her siblings...while the girls are caught up in the difficulties of adults, their resilience is celebrated and energetically told with writing that snaps off the page.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Regimented, responsible, strong-willed Delphine narrates in an unforgettable voice, but each of the sisters emerges as a distinct, memorable character, whose hard-won, tenuous connections with their mother build to an aching, triumphant conclusion.” — Booklist (starred review)
“The setting and time period are as vividly realized as the characters, and readers will want to know more about Delphine and her sisters after they return to Brooklyn.” — Horn Book (starred review)
The book is an excellent source to integrate while learning about the “Black Panther” movement.
Title: Lily’s Crossing
Bibliography
Giff, P. R. (1999). Lily's Crossing. Random House Children's Books.
ISBN 978-0440414537
Plot Summary
Lily Mollahan is a ten-year-old girl who lives with her father. Her mother died when Lily was very little. In 1944, things changed for Lily. Lily’s father is forced to go overseas and so is sent with her grandmother who is in Rockaway. Additionally, her best friend moves to Detroit. Even though Rockaway is her favorite place, Lily finds it hard to be there without her best friend and her dad. Lily feels lonely, that is until a refugee Hungarian boy, Albert, comes into her life. Albert, who is an orphan, was separated from his sister due to the war. At first, Lily and Albert have a difficult time getting along, but eventually build a beautiful friendship.
Critical Analysis
Lily’s Crossing is an incredible story. I personally enjoyed it and cried at the end! Throughout the novel, the reader can become immersed in the emotional events of each character. The way the events are told just pulls the reader’s attention to every single detail. The facts about the war that are presented throughout the story make this an interesting read for young readers who are learning about WWII. From the events presented, to learning about dangerous consequences to certain actions, this story offers multiple lessons throughout and might even stir up a sense of appreciation. In this novel, Patricia Reilly Giff beautifully constructs a story for children that they can easily relate to and enjoy.
Review Excerpt(s)
"Details...are woven with great effect into a realistic story."
--The Horn Book Magazine, starred
"Exceptional characterizations and a robust story line...this has all the ingredients that best reward readers."
--Publishers Weekly
"Brilliantly told."
--The New York Times Book Review
"With wry comedy and intense feeling...Giff gets across a strong sense of what it was like on the home front during World War II...The friendship story is beautifully drawn."
--Booklist
Connections
Students may write about what they are “thankful” for.
This book can be read to students to extend learning of WWII.
Title: Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
Bibliography
Schmidt, G. D. (2020). Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy: A Newbery Honor Award Winner. HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN: 978-0358206392
Plot Summary
Turner Buckminster is far from excited after his family moves to Phippsburg, Maine. He has to deal with the pressure of being the son of the town’s minister, and he feels closely watched by the adults. At times he also feels lonely. He then meets Lizzy Bright Griffin, a young black girl that brings him problems once he befriends her. Lizzie lives on Malaga Island, which is a town founded by former slaves. Powerful elders want to transform it into a tourist attraction. For this reason, they decide to force the island residents to leave the area. Turner and Lizzie build a beautiful friendship that is strong enough to help Turner make the decision to stand alongside Lizzie to help her save her community.
Critical Analysis
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a novel based on an actual historical incident that happened off the coast of Maine in the early 20th century. In this story, racism and selfishness go against compassion and understanding. Parts of the story are sad and upsetting, but at the end of the day, it is Turner’s strong character and determination that bring out the best of this book. The story shows how bravery and compassion can always lead to the best outcome. Turner does end up getting support from different sources, and so he learns to take on challenges and to never give up. The story ends on a note of hope. Even though this book contains very strong language, I think that children and adults could learn a lot from reading it. It is sure to entertain while teaching valuable lessons.
Review Excerpt(s)
"Gloriously figurative language...brilliantly evokes both time and place...both beautiful and emotionally honest, both funny and piercingly sad."
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A powerful tale of friendship and coming-of-age...haunting combination of fact and fiction has a powerful and tragic climax."
— Booklist (starred review)
"An evocative novel...with fully developed, memorable characters...fascinating, little-known piece of history...will leave a powerful impression on readers." — School Library Journal (starred review)
"Historical incident ignites a rich novel...a drama that examines the best and worst of humanity." — Horn Book Magazine
Connections
Great book that can be integrated into a racial discrimination thematic unit.
This novel can be integrated into a Black History Month lesson.
Title: Elijah of Buxton
Bibliography
Curtis, C. P. (2007). Elijah of Buxton. Scholastic Press.
ISBN 978-0439023450
Plot Summary
Elijah of Buxton is a story about an eleven-year-old boy who is the first child born into freedom in Buxton. Elijah is a sensible and fragile boy who enjoys his life in the settlement, attends school, and helps out with chores, but then tries to prove to the family and neighbors that he is mature. As he seeks justice for a friend, Elijah faces situations that bring many experiences, both good and bad.
Critical Analysis
Elijah of Buxton takes the reader back to the 19th century. It tells about how slaves escaped to Canada for freedom. The description of the setting given by the author is thorough, providing the reader a good understanding of slavery and what it was like for some slaves trying to escape. Actually, much of the information included in the text somehow builds background knowledge about the characters and the settlement. While the readers may think that some of these details are not important, as the story unfolds, we can make connections and understand how important each one is. As for the text itself, I feel it is easy for young readers to understand, but Curtis does not hold back from giving details about the adults’ freedom stories or when describing situations that Elijah finds himself getting into. This might make the book a bit overwhelming for some young readers.
The story also covers themes which reveal challenges faced by the people living in this time period, as well as challenges readers face today. For example, Elijah faced the conflict of growing up from a frightened child to a courageous young man. He had many chances to prove his maturity but was not successful. He then is faced with the chance to find justice for a friend and in his final task, he proves to be a hero and shows his family, neighbors, and peers how he has grown. I feel that young readers can make connections to the themes offered through this story, making the reading of this book more special.
Review Excerpt(s)
"This is Curtis's best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, 'This is one of the best books I have ever read.'" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves, at times, on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at others, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller." -- Booklist, starred review*
"This arresting, surprising novel of reluctant heroism is about nothing less than nobility." -- The Horn Book, starred review*
