Author- Christopher Paul Curtis
Title- The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963
Year-1995
Genre- Newbery
Format- Paperback
Publisher- Scholastic Inc.
Reading Level- Intermediate Reading
Interest Level- Upper Elementary
Topics- Family, Misbehavior, Accidents, Depression
Summary- This story is about an African American family in the 1960's. The characters are the Watson family, Momma, Dad, Joetta, Byron and Kenny. Byron is the oldest sibling and gets himself into a log of trouble. With no other options the parents ship him off to Alabama to live with his Grandma. When the family gets to Alabama Byron surprisingly cleans up his act where Kenny does not. Kenny went swimming in a specific area he was told not to go, he almost drowned but was saved by Byron. This incident really shook him up and later lead to major personality changes. Another scare occurred when the local church that Joetta went to was bombed. Kenny thought his sister was in the building till he found her safely at home. With the events that occurred in the summer Kenny went into a depression and went through a time of struggle. This book is very funny and serious at the same time. A great read for any fourth of fifth grade kid.
Extension Activity- Have an educational lesson on the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham.
