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The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963

Christopher Paul Curtis

Start date: June 1, 2017

Finish date: June 30, 2017

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Jun 24, 2017 Brina rated it really liked it

Shelves: race-relations, african-american, travelogue, middle-grade-kids, newberry

Christopher Paul Curtis wanted to be a writer but had yet to get a break. Working on a mechanic line in a Flint, Michigan automotive factory, he penned three historical fiction novels for middle grade children. In 1995 his first novel The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963 was published, and lead Curtis out of the automobile industry and into the forefront of children's literature. The winner of both the Newberry and Coretta Scott King as well as other awards, The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963 is a Christopher Paul Curtis wanted to be a writer but had yet to get a break. Working on a mechanic line in a Flint, Michigan automotive factory, he penned three historical fiction novels for middle grade children. In 1995 his first novel The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963 was published, and lead Curtis out of the automobile industry and into the forefront of children's literature. The winner of both the Newberry and Coretta Scott King as well as other awards, The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963 is a quality autobiographical and historical fiction novel.

The Watson family is your ordinary African American family living in Flint, Michigan. Daniel works hard to provide for his wife Wilona and their three children Byron, Kenneth, and Joetta. Even if they do not always have enough for luxuries, the family has a roof over their head and is able to get by. Wilona comes from Birmingham, Alabama and never quite gets used to the north, even though it is a safer place to raise her family than in the south. As a teenager, Byron engages in multiple forms of teenage rebellion and threatens to tear apart the fabric of his family. Meanwhile, Kenneth is the family brain, reading well above grade level, while Joetta is an adorable kindergarten student just beginning her school career.

As Byron's exploits continue, Wilona takes matters into her own hands and decides to take the family on vacation to Birmingham with the intention of leaving Byron there for the summer. The story is told through Kenneth's narrations and include many memorable interchanges including how Daniel installs a record player in their car, and the different southern dialects that Wilona and her mother use. All is going well, and the family is enjoying their stay in Alabama, until the actual church bombings occur at the church where Joetta is attending Sunday school. The family is scarred but none more than Kenneth, and the Watsons return to Flint the next day.

Christopher Paul Curtis has created a powerful, introspective novel for middle grade readers. He has created a strong protagonist in ten year old Kenny Watson as well as well- developed supporting characters. In a middle child who is both academically gifted yet overshadowed by his siblings, Curtis has created a character that many kids can relate to. He has also made this novel into a quality historical fiction in that he weaves the Birmingham church bombings into an already powerful story. Worthy of the Newberry and Coretta King Awards for youth fiction, Curtis has written a story that can be used in schools and for kids to enjoy on their own.

I would not have chosen to read about the Watson family if this book was not a buddy read in one of my goodreads groups. My curiosity piqued, I joined in the read and was lead to a poignant middle grade kids book. I do take part in reading black history month challenges each year, but was happy to read this novel later in the calendar as I discovered a new to me author in Christopher Paul Curtis. An important middle grade novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 is 4.5 stars, and I look forward to reading Curtis' other works. ...more

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Jun 17, 2017 Kris (My Novelesque Life) rated it liked it

RATING: 3.5 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)

When I first read the synopsis of this book, I was really intrigued by it. A child's perspective of 1963, Birmingham (USA) seemed pretty heavy a subject. This novel in a sense is for middle school children and the adult issues are balanced with children's humour and perspective. I found Kenny, quite endearing, and his family so interesting and fun. This is a well-written novel that I think would be perfect for children as well as adults. I took off a star for ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

Jun 17, 2017 Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu rated it really liked it

Shelves: children-young-adult, historical-fiction

This was a well written story, one that was mostly filled with anecdotes about the life of an African American family during the 1960s. The anecdotes worked well to weave a cohesive story, one that touches on the struggles in the Civil Rights Movement, especially in the South.
I enjoyed the narrative written from the perspective of a fourth grade student, Kenny. His interaction with friends and family set the stage for the cultural diversity and challenges faced by African Americans. Kenny's fam ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Aug 31, 2015 Book Concierge rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: concierge, children-s-literature, library, historical-fiction, movie, family, racism, debut, african-american

From the book jacket: Enter the hilarious world of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There’s Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron, who’s thirteen and an “official juvenile delinquent.” When Momma and Dad decide it’s time for a visit to Grandma, the Watsons set out on a trip like no other. They’re heading south to Birmingham, Alabama, toward one of the darkest moments in America’s history.

My Reactions
I love the way Curtis writes. I totally be ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Oct 25, 2015 Kelly rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya-and-children-s, historical-fiction, newbery

I liked this book told from the point of view of a 10 year old boy named Kenneth. His trials with his brother were comical yet true for most little brothers! I almost wish the last few chapters had been extended a bit, when the tragic events of September 15, 1963, happened in Birmingham, AL. Kenneth has a wonderful talk with his big brother surrounding the turmoil of the church bombing that killed 4 young girls. I wish Curtis had gotten more into that, perhaps getting the parents more involved a ...more

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Mar 04, 2011 Kelly marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jun 23, 2017 Sharmon rated it liked it

Shelves: ya, historical-fiction, 2017, rcc-selection

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