Title: The Watsons go to Birmingham – 1963
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Publisher & Year of Publication: Delacorte Press, 1995
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 8-12
Summary: The story centers around the Watson family, who live in Flint, Michigan. Kenny, the middle son, narrates the story. Kenny typically becomes frustrated with his older brother Bryon, because he declares him as a juvenile delinquent. After Bryon causes enough trouble, his parents feel he should spend some time with his grandmother in Birmingham. The entire family packs up and takes off; while there the grandmother’s church is bombed and four little children are killed. At first, it is feared that their sister Joetta is killed but she is not. The family decides to return to Michigan; however they have all had to grow and cope with life’s challenges, like fairness.
Evaluation/Reflection: In light of recent events, and ongoing racial tensions, this book is likely to strike a personal chord for some students and spur discussions. However, the bond the family builds through the struggles is something to reflect on and take away as students wrestle with the injustices of the world.
Illustrations: Photographs used for cover
Review: In the only Newbery Honor book to make my list, the weighty issues and historical perspectives don't get in the way of a very funny family. Byron plays some awful tricks on his younger brother Kenny, but readers can't help but laugh at some of his less harmful teasing. He tells a convincing story to little sister Joey about how garbage trucks scoop up frozen Southern folks who don't dress warmly enough, and half-fools Kenny with his tall tale. While the boys supply many of the laughs, it's clear that they get their sense of humor from their dad. His gentle teasing and tongue-in-cheek exaggerations can be hilarious. Laughter and Tears Award: More than any other book on my list, the humor in The Watsons shifts to near tragedy and many thought-provoking developments. The serious stuff succeeds in part because readers grow so close to this family through the humor that comes earlier in the book. School Library Journal
Promotion Idea: This book would be fitting for a unit on civil rights or during Black History Month. After reading, students could extend their knowledge and complete an opinion writing activity comparing similarities and differences in society today.
Acquisition: Public library, book retailers, and currently available on Amazon for $13.56 (hardcover).
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Publisher & Year of Publication: Delacorte Press, 1995
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 8-12
Summary: The story centers around the Watson family, who live in Flint, Michigan. Kenny, the middle son, narrates the story. Kenny typically becomes frustrated with his older brother Bryon, because he declares him as a juvenile delinquent. After Bryon causes enough trouble, his parents feel he should spend some time with his grandmother in Birmingham. The entire family packs up and takes off; while there the grandmother’s church is bombed and four little children are killed. At first, it is feared that their sister Joetta is killed but she is not. The family decides to return to Michigan; however they have all had to grow and cope with life’s challenges, like fairness.
Evaluation/Reflection: In light of recent events, and ongoing racial tensions, this book is likely to strike a personal chord for some students and spur discussions. However, the bond the family builds through the struggles is something to reflect on and take away as students wrestle with the injustices of the world.
Illustrations: Photographs used for cover
Review: In the only Newbery Honor book to make my list, the weighty issues and historical perspectives don't get in the way of a very funny family. Byron plays some awful tricks on his younger brother Kenny, but readers can't help but laugh at some of his less harmful teasing. He tells a convincing story to little sister Joey about how garbage trucks scoop up frozen Southern folks who don't dress warmly enough, and half-fools Kenny with his tall tale. While the boys supply many of the laughs, it's clear that they get their sense of humor from their dad. His gentle teasing and tongue-in-cheek exaggerations can be hilarious. Laughter and Tears Award: More than any other book on my list, the humor in The Watsons shifts to near tragedy and many thought-provoking developments. The serious stuff succeeds in part because readers grow so close to this family through the humor that comes earlier in the book. School Library Journal
Promotion Idea: This book would be fitting for a unit on civil rights or during Black History Month. After reading, students could extend their knowledge and complete an opinion writing activity comparing similarities and differences in society today.
Acquisition: Public library, book retailers, and currently available on Amazon for $13.56 (hardcover).