Hailed by the New York Times as “witty and original,” One Crazy Summer is a moving & funny story about three sisters looking for their mother in 1960s California. It’s also a book that brings up issues that almost mirror current events today, tackling problems kids see around themselves. On this episode, we’ll talk to acclaimed author Rita Williams-Garcia about what inspired her to write the Newbery Honor and National Book Award winning story – a contemporary classic that deals with everything from abandonment, to unfair policing, and the Black Panthers – why representation matters, and more. We’ll also be joined by authors Janae Marks (From the Desk of Zoe Washington), Paula Chase (Turning Point), and Lisa Moore Ramée (Something to Say), three writers who read One Crazy Summer as adults, and had it stick with them.

To learn more about One Crazy Summer, visit: bit.ly/2Yn09T0

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. Until next time!