Book Review of The Watsons Go to Birmingham,1963
The Children’s Book Review
The Watsons Go to Birmingham,1963
Written by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ages 10+ | 210 Pages
Publisher: Yearling | ISBN-13: 9780440414124
What to Expect: Historical Fiction, Racism, Civil Rights, Family, and Adversity
The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963, by Christopher Curtis, is truly a masterpiece in literary fiction. The book has earned multiple awards for its incredible writing and storytelling, receiving the highly coveted Newbery Honor and the esteemed Coretta Scott King Honor.
The story follows a young boy named Kenny, his middle-class African American family (known as the Weird Watsons), and events during the summer of 1963. His thirteen-year-old brother Byron is constantly in trouble, so the Watsons take a road trip from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama, to see if Grandma can pull Byron into line. While they are there, a catastrophe occurs at Grandma’s church. While exploring topics such as racism and civil rights, the author manages to keep the pages of this book filled with laughter and heart, making it a must-read for all ages.
The narrative showcases the importance of family, strength, and triumph in the face of adversity. Through Kenny’s eyes, we are reminded of the significance of love and support and of the power of family in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The story is mesmerizing and impactful, motivating readers to be kinder, braver, and more resilient in navigating life’s challenges.
Overall, The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963, is a true gem in literature, with its themes and messages inspiring future generations.
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About the Author
Born in Flint, Michigan, Christopher Paul Curtis spent his first 13 years after high school on the assembly line of Flint’s historic Fisher Body Plant # 1. His job entailed hanging car doors, and it left him with an aversion to getting into and out of large automobiles—particularly big Buicks. With grandfathers like Earl “Lefty” Lewis, a Negro Baseball League pitcher, and 1930s bandleader Herman E. Curtis, Sr., of Herman Curtis and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression, it is easy to see why Christopher Paul Curtis was destined to become an entertainer.
What to Read Next if You Love The Watsons Go to Birmingham,1963
- Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis
- One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor
- Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
Bianca Schulze reviewed The Watsons Go to Birmingham,1963 . Discover more books like The Watsons Go to Birmingham,1963 by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Historical Fiction.
