P.S. Be Eleven

By: Rita Williams-Garcia

Narrated by: Sisi Aisha Johnson

The Gaither sisters are at it again! A sequel to the Newbery Honor Book One Crazy Summer, this Coretta Scott King Award-winning novel will find a home in the hearts of readers who loved Brown Girl Dreaming and As Brave as You.

After spending the summer in Oakland, California, with their mother and the Black Panthers, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern arrive home with a newfound streak of independence. That doesn't sit well with Big Ma, who doesn't like the way things are changing.

Neither does Delphine. Pa has a new girlfriend. Uncle Darnell comes home from Vietnam, but he's not the same. And her new sixth-grade teacher isn't the fun, stylish Miss Honeywell—it's Mr. Mwila, a stern exchange teacher from Zambia.

But the one thing that doesn't change during this turbulent year is the advice that Delphine receives from her mother, who reminds her not to grow up too fast. To be eleven while she can.

Readers who enjoy Christopher Paul Curtis's The Watsons Go to Birmingham and Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming will find much to love in this book. Rita Williams-Garcia's books about Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern can also be read alongside nonfiction explorations of American history such as Jason Reynolds's and Ibram X. Kendi's books.

Each humorous, unforgettable story in this trilogy follows the sisters as they grow up during one of the most tumultuous eras in recent American history, the 1960s. Read the adventures of eleven-year-old Delphine and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, as they visit their kin all over the rapidly changing nation—and as they discover that the bonds of family, and their own strength, run deeper than they ever knew possible.

“The Gaither sisters are an irresistible trio. Williams-Garcia excels at conveying defining moments of American society from their point of view.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Excellent sequel to One Crazy Summer!

Excellent sequel to "One Crazy Summer"! My 6th graders enjoyed in-depth discussions about this text. A fast read!

Interesting Story with Courageous Young Protagonist

I love Delphine, her family and friends. They are fun and familiar and I find myself rooting for (most) of them.

One of the best books I've ever read.

I like how the mom liked her kids. The pa had a girlfriend and got married. It took a while for them to get together with Dalphane and Pa's wife.

Loved it!!!

I love these girls, it’s like I’m growing up with them. Can wait to read the 3rd series. This is a great read for grades 5th-6th.

This series is the best!

Amazing!!! Beautifully written, outstanding performance. You will fall in love with the characters and get lost in the story.

Great family read for travel

My kids and I loved this story. We loved the bond between the sisters and their family. Great reminder to enjoy your childhood.

Took my heart

The story, the characters, the narration- absolutely superb. Thank you Rita Williams- Garcia, thank you Sisi Johnson.
Please write another one.

Memories

It brought back childhood memories. The afros, bell bottom pants, the images of the Black Panthers and young people saying "right on" and "power to the people".

Great!

I really enjoyed this sequel. It was uplifting and engaging. I can't wait to read it to my students. I know they will enjoy it just as much as I did. A must read if you've already read One Crazy Summer. I'd love to see another book written to take the story even further.

Stuck Between Growing up and Being Grown

Three young girls, Delphine, Fern, & Vonnetta, are growing up during a time of racial resistance & solidarity. Delphine, the oldest, holds the responsibility of taking care of her two younger sisters; an impossible job for a 11 year old girl. You'll enjoy the lives and shenanigans of the three as well their family members.