The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, C. P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963. New York: Delacorte.

This historical fiction novel tells about the Watson family, Kenny, Byron, Momma, Dad and little sister, Joey. This story was about a troubled kid named Byron who finally goes overboard and is sent to live with his strict grandmother, Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Alabama during the civil rights movement when segregation was tumultuous in the deep down south. Through their ups and downs something horrific happens which changes how the family acts and draws them closer together then ever before.

Assignment #4

Kenneth “Kenny” Watson is a funny and intelligent 10 year old whose comedic style of story-telling makes us feel like one of the family with his disciplinary mother, Wilona, jovial father, Daniel, unruly teenager brother, Byron, and sweet, religious little sister, Joetta “Joey.”  He takes us on a road trip from their hometown of Flint, Michigan to visit his mother’s mom, Grandma Sands, in Birmingham, Alabama for the summer of 1963, when racial tensions and segregation issues were especially hot.  There had been some discussion as to whether or not to leave Byron with Grandma Sands for the school year too because of his rebellious nature and an incident with matches. At the end of the summer, Grandma Sands’ church is bombed and Kenny believes his sister is in the bombing.  He runs to the scene.  Joey was not injured but Kenny can’t seem to grasp all that has transpired which leads to him “hiding” and struggling emotionally because of what he saw in the aftermath of the bombing.  Byron matures and turns out to be a good big brother when he helps Kenny through his fear and to see that he must keep moving forward even though our world is not a perfect place.  The historical tie in to the 16^th Street Baptist Church Bombing, a catalyst to making change in the American Civil Rights Movement, bonds this family as they all return to Michigan.  It will leave you thinking and reflecting.

Author website:  http://www.nobodybutcurtis.com/

Student Activities:  http://www.storyboardthat.com/teacher-guide/the-watsons-go-to-birmingham-by-christopher-curtis

7 Creative Classroom activities:  http://www.walden.com/watsons-go-to-birmingham-7-creative-classroom-activities/

Unit Plan and Movie Tie in:  http://www.walden.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/watsons_ed_resource_v9_sec2_WebRes_Units1-7.pdf

Book Trailer: