The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963: Difference between revisions
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==Summary== |
==Summary== |
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The first part of the book has Kenny introducing his family. His family has his dad, his mom, older brother Byron and younger sister Joetta. He retells stories about him and Byron, including the story of Byron and Buphead teaching Kenny how to survive a blizzard, in which they spat snow at him. Byron continues to act bad, including beating up Larry Dunn, and lighting matches at his house. As for Kenny, he tells about his lazy eye, his time with L.J. Jones stealing dinosaurs, and about his new friend, Rufus Fry, which Kenny thinks will be his "saver" who God has sent. Joetta's stories just have her complaining about Flint's cold winters and weather, |
The first part of the book has Kenny introducing his family. His family has his dad, his mom, older brother Byron and younger sister Joetta. He retells stories about him and Byron, including the story of Byron and Buphead teaching Kenny how to survive a blizzard, in which they spat snow at him. Byron continues to act bad, including beating up Larry Dunn, and lighting matches at his house. As for Kenny, he tells about his lazy eye, his time with L.J. Jones stealing dinosaurs, and about his new friend, Rufus Fry, which Kenny thinks will be his "saver" who God has sent. Joetta's stories just have her complaining about Flint's cold winters and weather, |
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and why Momma makes her wear so many clothes outside. Byron's behavior get's much worse, as during one time, he decides to make his hair "Mexican style" and |
and why Momma makes her wear so many clothes outside. Byron's behavior get's much worse, as during one time, he decides to make his hair "Mexican style" and gets a 'process' in his head witch is now called a perm. His mom gets very mad, and his dad cuts his hair bald, as a punishment. Later on they decide to plan a trip to see their Grandma Sands in [[Birmingham, Alabama]] in the summer of 1963. Byron must stay that summer, and if he acts bad there, he will also stay there the following school year, as well. They leave for Alabama, where very crazy things will happen in that time span including the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. The Watsons famous little boy Kenny Watson and his 'juvenile delinquent' of a brother Byron (By) as short, does not get along well until the very last chapter in the book. Though, the book implies that Byron cares for Kenny, but just wants to toughen him up. |
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==Setting== |
==Setting== |
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Revision as of 16:47, 31 March 2011
| Author | Christopher Paul Curtis |
|---|---|
| Genre | Juvenile Fiction / Historical Fiction |
| Publisher | Yearling |
Publication date | 1995 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 210 pages |
| ISBN | 0385321759 |
| OCLC | 32133739 |
| LC Class | PZ7.C94137 Wat 1995 |
The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963 is a historical fiction book by Christopher Paul Curtis, written in 1995, and republished in 1997. It is about an African American family living in the town of Flint, Michigan who go to their grandmother's home in Birmingham, Alabama in the year 1963. The book was Curtis' first novel, and received a Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Award.[1][2] The book includes the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, one of the most critical events in the book.
Author Information
The author of the book is Christopher Paul Curtis. He has also wrote the critically acclaimed book Bud, Not Buddy and Elijah of Buxton. He was born in Flint, Michigan, which is where the Watsons live in the book.
Summary
The first part of the book has Kenny introducing his family. His family has his dad, his mom, older brother Byron and younger sister Joetta. He retells stories about him and Byron, including the story of Byron and Buphead teaching Kenny how to survive a blizzard, in which they spat snow at him. Byron continues to act bad, including beating up Larry Dunn, and lighting matches at his house. As for Kenny, he tells about his lazy eye, his time with L.J. Jones stealing dinosaurs, and about his new friend, Rufus Fry, which Kenny thinks will be his "saver" who God has sent. Joetta's stories just have her complaining about Flint's cold winters and weather, and why Momma makes her wear so many clothes outside. Byron's behavior get's much worse, as during one time, he decides to make his hair "Mexican style" and gets a 'process' in his head witch is now called a perm. His mom gets very mad, and his dad cuts his hair bald, as a punishment. Later on they decide to plan a trip to see their Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Alabama in the summer of 1963. Byron must stay that summer, and if he acts bad there, he will also stay there the following school year, as well. They leave for Alabama, where very crazy things will happen in that time span including the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. The Watsons famous little boy Kenny Watson and his 'juvenile delinquent' of a brother Byron (By) as short, does not get along well until the very last chapter in the book. Though, the book implies that Byron cares for Kenny, but just wants to toughen him up.
Setting
The Watsons live in Flint, Michigan, while Grandma Sands lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Both places have very inturiging seasons. The book takes place during the civil rights movement. During the time, crucial events take place in American history. The book is during the fall/winter of 1960 to the summer of 1963.
Characters
Kenneth Bernard Watson - Usually called simply Kenny. 10 years old & narrator of the book. Known for having a lazy eye and for being an excellent student, both of which make him the target of teasing at Clark Elementary School.
Byron Watson - Kenny's brother, a 13 year old "official juvenile delinquent" whose many "Fantastic Adventures" continually get him into trouble at home and at school. Sometimes bullies and teases Kenny, but also protects him at school and saves his life in Birmingham.
Joetta Watson - Younger sister of Byron and Kenny. Known as a very respectful little girl.
Wilona Watson - Mother of the three children. Native of Birmingham, slips into a thick southern accent when mad or excited and complains about winters in Flint, Michigan. Tough but fair to her children.
Daniel Watson - Father of the three children. Known for having a good sense of humor.
Grandma Sands - Mother of Wilona and grandmother to Wilona's children. Lives in Birmingham and has an even thicker accent than Wilona.
References
- ^ Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present, American Library Association, retrieved 2009-01-17
- ^ Coretta Scott King Book Award Complete List of Recipients—by Year, American Library Association, retrieved 2009-01-17