One Crazy Summer

OK, like [b:Midwinterblood 10836471 Midwinterblood Marcus Sedgwick https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1319727124s/10836471.jpg 15750616], this is a book I had a lot of misconceptions about? From the cover and title and intended audience, I assumed this was some kind of like fun Judy Moody-style adventure or something? But this book is REAL AS HELL. Like within the first few chapters, the girls' birth mom essentially tells all her kids she should have aborted them. ICE COLD.I loved all three sisters, and I loved how this book makes the Black Power movement really accessible and relevant for tweens?? I think... this might be best read either with help from a parent, or in a classroom setting, because I'm not sure how much historical context a lot of kids would have for this book? White kids especially. But I think it would be a great one for white kids to read, because of the nuanced portrayal of racism and black history and how even if you're well-meaning, you don't necessarily understand someone else's story. (Obviously also a great one for kids of color.)