When your parents or guardians usually just make empty threats and meaningless promises of punishments, there is really no reason to stop misbehaving other than the potential scolding, right? Such is the the case for Kenny Watson’s older brother, Byron Watson, before being sent to Alabama to his grandmother after the last straw. The novel The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963, written by Christopher Paul Curtis, is a historical fiction that tells the story of a Negro family, also known as the Weird Watsons by their neighbors, and their comical antics. However, the book doesn’t focus on the trip only but also, the circumstances that make the family travel to Birmingham, Alabama. The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 is a must have title in the Little
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As mentioned, The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 has multiple comedic moments dispersed throughout despite some of the heavy themes it carries. Children would likely be drawn by those moments. As a matter of fact, it is evidence in a Scholastic report that 70% of children from the ages 6-17 want a book that “makes me [them] laugh” (Scholastic). Personally, I always find myself cracking up while reading about the part when Byron got his lips stuck kissing a mirror. Such shenanigans are especially relatable when paired with a quirky family cast consisting of the tough mom, the jokester of a dad, the mean older brother, the smart observative middle child, and the innocent younger sister. The story itself has also gained recognition from the public despite being the a first novel. According to the School Library Journal, the “[r]ibald humor. . . and a totally believable child’s view of the world will make this book an instant hit.” Not to mention, it has won multiple awards and honors, including the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, and also listed as an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Thus, The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 is definitely an engaging novel that should be read by first-timers or …show more content…
The novel teaches compassion and morality in sometimes somber situations, but also makes the lessons bearable for children to learn from. Additionally, since it is told from a kid’s perspective during a time of social reform, the story is as educational as it is entertaining. Humor and philosophy bundled in one small package, the novel can appeal to anyone of any age, which is proven by the recognition it has gained following its release. All in all, the story of a car trip of emotions with its ups and downs were surely capture anyone’s
As mentioned, The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 has multiple comedic moments dispersed throughout despite some of the heavy themes it carries. Children would likely be drawn by those moments. As a matter of fact, it is evidence in a Scholastic report that 70% of children from the ages 6-17 want a book that “makes me [them] laugh” (Scholastic). Personally, I always find myself cracking up while reading about the part when Byron got his lips stuck kissing a mirror. Such shenanigans are especially relatable when paired with a quirky family cast consisting of the tough mom, the jokester of a dad, the mean older brother, the smart observative middle child, and the innocent younger sister. The story itself has also gained recognition from the public despite being the a first novel. According to the School Library Journal, the “[r]ibald humor. . . and a totally believable child’s view of the world will make this book an instant hit.” Not to mention, it has won multiple awards and honors, including the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, and also listed as an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Thus, The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 is definitely an engaging novel that should be read by first-timers or …show more content…
The novel teaches compassion and morality in sometimes somber situations, but also makes the lessons bearable for children to learn from. Additionally, since it is told from a kid’s perspective during a time of social reform, the story is as educational as it is entertaining. Humor and philosophy bundled in one small package, the novel can appeal to anyone of any age, which is proven by the recognition it has gained following its release. All in all, the story of a car trip of emotions with its ups and downs were surely capture anyone’s