First and foremost, if you teach Language Arts, collaborate with the Social Studies/History folks. This book is a fabulous tie-in for the Civil Rights Movement in American History.
1. Create timelines that compare actual Black Panther events with those described in One Crazy Summer. For instance, and this could be incorrect, but my understanding is that it wasn't until 1969 when the Panthers started the children's programs in Oakland. The book is set in 1968. Have your kids search for the truth!
Have the timelines include some important historical events that happened in 1968 such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s death and the murder of Lil' Bobby Hutton. Both happened in the spring of 1968 just months before the summer setting of this book.
Create a map that shows all the Black Panther Party breakfast programs.
2. Research the key players of the Black Panthers, such as Huey P. Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, and Bobby Hutton. Include other historical figures from the time period.
3. Compare and contrast the positive and negative decisions made by the Panthers. Discuss what they did that worked and what they could have done better.
4. Compare the beliefs of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and The Black Panthers. How are they alike? Dislike?
5. Review poetry, music, and movies from the 1960's. Have students write their own poetry and lyrics about things they believe strongly.
Have a poetry slam!
Check out: The Spoken Word Revolution by Mark Eleveld. It has a great CD with examples from past and present poetry slams. Beware - listen to this before sharing with your class. Depending on where you work, you may need parental permission.
6. Encourage the students to write a play or make a video that demonstrates the conflicts experienced by Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern within the larger conflicts of the United States during that time. If you do this, PLEASE send me a copy! I'd love to see what your kids create!
Most importantly, allow a lot of time for the sharing of ideas and beliefs. Remember, there are no wrong answers, just things that need to be considered from all points of view.
Book Review
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