P.S. Be Eleven

Three sisters from Brooklyn - Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern - return home after spending a summer with their mother in Oakland, California. They must readjust to life with their father and grandmother Big Ma, while processing their experiences with the Black Panthers and their newfound political awareness. The girls navigate significant changes at home as their father introduces them to his new girlfriend, and their uncle returns from Vietnam a changed man. Meanwhile, eleven-year-old Delphine faces the challenges of sixth grade, including her first crush, new responsibilities as the eldest sister, and her growing understanding of the world around her. The story takes place against the backdrop of 1968-69, incorporating the Jackson Five's rise to fame, the Vietnam War, and changing social dynamics in America. Through letters exchanged with her mother Cecile, Delphine grapples with growing up while holding onto her childhood for as long as she can. This coming-of-age narrative explores themes of family bonds, personal identity, and social consciousness during a pivotal time in American history. The story demonstrates how children process and adapt to both personal and societal changes, while maintaining their innocence and sense of wonder.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of a Black family in 1968-69 Brooklyn and the realistic coming-of-age challenges faced by protagonist Delphine. Many note the book effectively addresses complex themes like the Vietnam War, addiction, and social change through a child's perspective. Readers highlight the strong character development, especially the three sisters' distinct personalities and growth. Multiple reviews praise how the story tackles difficult subjects while remaining appropriate for middle-grade readers. Common criticisms include a slower pace compared to the first book in the series and some readers found the multiple plotlines made the story feel scattered. Some younger readers report struggling to understand the historical context and political references. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (280+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 5/5 Notable reader quote: "The way Williams-Garcia weaves history into the daily lives of these characters makes the events of 1968-69 feel immediate and real rather than just textbook facts."

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia This first book in the series introduces the Gaither sisters and their journey to Oakland to meet their mother amid the backdrop of the Black Panthers movement.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson This memoir in verse chronicles a young girl's experiences growing up in South Carolina and New York during the Civil Rights Movement.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor The story follows a Black family's struggle to maintain dignity and independence in Mississippi during the Great Depression.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis A family's road trip from Michigan to Alabama intersects with historical events during the Civil Rights Movement.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton A mixed-race girl moves to Vermont in 1969 and navigates family relationships while pursuing her dream of becoming an astronaut.

🔸 The book is the second installment in the Gaither Sisters trilogy, following "One Crazy Summer," which won multiple awards including the Coretta Scott King Award and was a National Book Award finalist. 📚 The story takes place in 1968 Brooklyn, capturing significant historical moments including the Vietnam War, the Black Panthers movement, and the Jackson Five's rise to fame. ✉️ The title "P.S. Be Eleven" comes from the recurring sign-off in letters from the girls' mother, reminding the main character Delphine not to grow up too fast. 🎵 Author Rita Williams-Garcia carefully researched 1960s music, fashion, and culture to authentically portray the excitement surrounding the Jackson Five's early career, which plays a significant role in the story. 🏆 The novel won the Coretta Scott King Award in 2014, making Williams-Garcia one of few authors to win this prestigious award for multiple books in a series.