The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963
Curtis, C. P. (1995). The
Watsons go to Birmingham-1963. New York, NY: Dell Laurel-Leaf.
This book is a classic for
a reason. It immediately grabs the reader's attention with crisp imagery
describing the extreme cold of Flint, Michigan, and the closeness of the Watson
family. Kenneth, "Kenny," Watson is a ten-year-old boy that narrates
the story about his family, the "Weird Watsons" as he calls them, his
days at school and playing with friends, the bullying he endures at the hands
of his own older brother, Byron, and the family's big road trip down to
Birmingham, Alabama. The dialogue between Kenny and family is so real and so
honest, you almost forget you are reading a book and not
standing right there with them. Each character is so rich and
developed, from Momma who hides the gap in her front teeth when she smiles
big, to Dad and his love of the "Brown Bomber," their 1948 Plymouth.
The story takes an unexpected turn at the end that will leave you with
your heart in your throat.
I would recommend this
book to anyone who wants to get an inside look at a strong, close-knit,
African-American family who lean on each other when the times get tough. It's
especially good for young boys Kenny's age who may be dealing with similar
issues like bullying or racism. It's an excellent conversation starter for big
issues like segregation and hatred in America.
Activities for students
(like Character Maps, Compare/Contrast, Plot Diagram): http://www.storyboardthat.com/teacher-guide/the-watsons-go-to-birmingham-by-christopher-curtis
Meet the Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Personal website for Christopher Paul Curtis
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