P.S. Be Eleven

P.S. Be Eleven by Rita Williams-Garcia is a reprint edition published by HarperCollins on January 27, 2015. This 304-page book continues the story of the Gaither sisters, following their summer in Oakland, California, where they engaged with their mother and the Black Panthers. Upon returning home, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern grapple with their newfound independence amidst changing family dynamics and societal expectations.

In this sequel to the Newbery Honor Book One Crazy Summer, readers will explore themes of family and social issues as Delphine navigates her evolving relationships with her grandmother, father, and uncle, who has returned from Vietnam. The arrival of a new sixth-grade teacher adds to the challenges she faces. Throughout the year, Delphine receives guidance from her mother, emphasizing the importance of cherishing her youth and embracing the experience of being eleven. This narrative addresses multigenerational family dynamics and the impact of prejudice and racism, making it a relevant read for those interested in juvenile fiction.