About This Book
Christopher Paul Curtis's Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963,' follows the lively Watson family from Flint, Michigan, as they journey south to Birmingham, Alabama, in the summer of 1963. Narrated by ten-year-old Kenny, the story begins with humorous family antics and sibling rivalry, particularly between Kenny and his older, rebellious brother Byron. However, their road trip takes a profound turn as they arrive in Birmingham, placing them in the midst of the escalating Civil Rights Movement and the devastating 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. This powerful novel masterfully blends humor and deep emotional resonance, offering a child's perspective on a pivotal moment in American history while highlighting themes of family love, resilience, and the fight for justice. It's an essential read for discussing historical prejudice and the strength of the human spirit.
The ordinary interactions and everyday routines of the Watsons, an African American family living in Flint, Michigan, are drastically changed after they go to visit Grandma in Alabama in the summer of 1963.
Discussion Prompts
1
How does the Watson family use humor to cope with difficult situations, especially during their trip to Birmingham?
2
What does Kenny learn about bravery and fear throughout the story, particularly after the bombing?
3
How do the events in Birmingham change Kenny's understanding of the world and his place in it?
4
Discuss the different ways each member of the Watson family reacts to the prejudice and violence they encounter in the South.
5
What role does family play in helping the Watsons get through the hardest times?
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