Williams-Garcia, Rita P.S. Be Eleven 272 pgs. Harper Collins Children's Books, 2013. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.
Delphine, Fern and Vonetta are back from "One Crazy Summer" with their mother. But Brooklyn in 1968 is different from Oakland, Big Ma's rules are strict and now Pa has a girlfriend and is planning to marry her. Even school is different than planned, there's a new teacher in the 6th grade - a man from Zambia. Although Delphine grew up a lot over the summer, her letters to her mother are answered with instructions to "be eleven" even when she turns twelve, is she growing up too fast?
This sequel about children experiencing the black revolution of the sixties is well written for a young audience. Several issues are addressed including Vietnam, Black Panthers, women in politics, and drug addiction, but are handled without undue dramatics and both sides are presented fairly. Read the Newbery Honor "One Crazy Summer" first. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Lisa Librarian
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