The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963
 

The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963

by Christopher Paul Curtis

The year is 1963, and self-important Byron Watson is the bane of his younger brother Kenny's existence. Constantly in trouble for one thing or another, from straightening his hair into a "conk" to lighting fires to freezing his lips to the mirror of the new family car, Byron finally pushes his family too far. Before this "official juvenile delinquent" can cut school or steal change one... (read more)

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chodgens
  • Rated 5 stars

Wow! This is an awesome book! I read it in less than two hours on a car ride. Oddly enough, I was returning from Birmingham, AL when I read it.

The author gives an honest depiction of the South.

This is an absolute must-read to all readers!

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  • Rated 4.166172 stars
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  • Rated 0 stars
 

Newest Comments

  • Cat Bauer

    cat bauer said:

    I remember, long ago, when Christopher Paul Curtis gave a speech at the SCBWI conference about this book. He's a good guy.

    posted Wednesday, June 11 2008
  • zawadi

    zawadi said:

    The Watsons Go To Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis is a perfect example of using fictional personal experiences to explore history in a way young people can comprehend and appreciate the events. Readers might remember his other historical novels, Bud, Not Buddy set in the Depression Era or Elijah of Buxton set in 1849 in Canada, a settlement of former slaves. The Watsons Go To Birmingham ties one family to one of the most tragic events of the Civil Rights Movement, the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church that killed four young girls: Addie Mae Collins, Carol Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Denise McNair. It is a misnomer to underscore the significance of the history that teaches Kenny and his siblings firsthand how fortunate they are. Until the trip, the Watson children had been insulated from the social turmoil of the day.

    posted Friday, June 6 2008
  • cesar g

    cesar g said:

    IM AM STILL READING THIS BOOK AND IT IS VERY GOOD

    posted Monday, May 5 2008
  • Dakota  C

    dakota c said:

    this book has a great theme! saving people!

    posted Wednesday, April 2 2008
  • cdrews37

    cdrews37 said:

    This book is historically accurate, and truly humorous

    posted Thursday, January 17 2008
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