One Crazy Summer

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the complexities of family dynamics, particularly when a parent's love doesn't look like what they expected. It is an essential choice for children who carry a heavy load of responsibility for younger siblings or those beginning to ask questions about social justice and history. Set in 1968, the story follows three sisters sent to Oakland to meet their estranged mother, who is more interested in her poetry and the Black Panther movement than mothering. It beautifully navigates the realization that parents are flawed humans with their own histories. While it handles mature themes of abandonment and political activism, it remains grounded in a relatable, often humorous sisterhood bond suitable for middle grade readers. It offers a bridge to discuss how we define family and find our own voice within a changing world.