The Watsons go to Birmingham - 1963

                                                 by Christopher Paul Curtis

     This is a beautifully crafted historical fiction story told with a great deal of humor and insight.  One is introduced to "the Weird Watsons" as they sit bundled together on the couch, in the freezing cold Flint winter.  Kenny, the narrator, is a very intelligent child who is bullied by everyone at school, even his older brother Byron.  Byron is a bully that is constantly getting in trouble at home. Their little sister Joetta, is loved by everyone and is very religious.  Their parents Wilona (Mom) and Daniel (Dad),  met in Alabama and moved to Flint MI, where Daniel worked in the automotive industry.
     Kenny is very cautious around his brother Byron, because he is constanly getting in trouble or bullying Kenny.  Byron's cohort and buddy is Buphead a neighboring boy who encourages and helps By's bad behavior.  In one chapter Byron charges a bunch of food at the local market and engorges himself on cookies.  He tries to embroil Kenny in the fiasco, by sharing his misgotten goods.  In another chapter, Byron, who likes to catch things on fire, is caught, lighting things on fire in the bathroom.  Finally, however when he gets a conk, Mom and Dad decide it is time for some drastic measures.  It is decided that they will deliver Byron to Grandma Sands in Alabama.  Mom and Dad devise and plan their way through a long car trip.  Daniel getting the family car ready for the trip, and mom making lists and borrowing coolers etc. from neighbors.  It is decided that they are ready when Daniel purchases a car record player, that will allow the Watsons to listen to their own music through the south.
     The trip that Mom thought they should be able to finish in 3 days, Daniel decides he will drive straight through without stops.  The family shows up to Alabama, very excited to meet Grandma Sands.  All of the Watsons are amazed by the heat in Alabama, the children even try to go swimming, but Kenny almost drowns when he swims where he does not belong, near a whirl pool.  Surprisingly enough, his savior is non other than Byron.  Joetta, continues to go to church and attends Grandma Sands church with neighbors.  On one fateful Sunday, the church is bombed and many children are killed or injured.  Joetta is saved, however, because she follows someoone that she claims is Kenny.  Kenny is permanently damaged by the atrocity of seeing the results of the bombing and this horrendous example of racisim.  To protect their children and to avoid, having to discuss the hatred around Birmingham, the Watsons return to Flint.  Kenny is once again saved by Bryon's interference, when By tells him to get on with life and move on, instead of wallowing in the magical Pet Hospital.
     Initially I read this book becuase I live close to Flint, MI, but I really enjoyed this book, the story telling and the humor that was used made the tale very entertaining.  I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars and encourage it for fourth grade on up.

Links 

Alabama Church Bombing -

American Civil Rights Movement

History of Flint MI

Christopher Paul Curtis