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Summary: A Historical Glimpse into African-American Society
Review: This story shows events in the 1960s through the eyes of an adolescent boy, ten-year-old Kenny, whose family includes a thirteen-year-old brother, Byron, a younger sister, Joetta, and his mom and dad. The author's ability to convey aspects of African-American family life in an urban, Flint, Michigan, setting is fantastic! Adolescent and teen readers learn what was cool among then urban "black" teenagers through self-absorbed Byron's adventures. He does everything from 'conking' his hair against his parent's wishes to skipping school and setting fires. Teens can understand this black family's values given the control the strict parents try to have over Byron's behavior. They decide to go south so that the grandma can 'take him in hand'. Many of the episodes are hilarious, others sad, and all are engaging. Teen readers will become acquainted with groups and events from the 1960s American civil rights era through the events of Kenny's life. Just like today's teens and pre-teens, Kenny and Byron are portrayed as well-rounded characters with emotional challenges that they must overcome as they mature. When the KKK bombs a Birmingham church, Kenny's fears of unseen threats become real. Young adult readers will enjoy this book because the protagonist is in their age group. Those from other cultural backgounds will enjoy the exposure to the working class, African-American experience. The author skillfully interweaves historical aspects of American culture into the plot. Older adults will appreciate the book as they reflect on past experiences. Educators will enjoy Curtis' adept use of the language in a story that offers many avenues to teach history, English, social studies and other subjects. It's a must read for all ages!
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Summary: What a shame!!!
Review: I was so disappointed in this book, I could cry. Being a fifth grade teacher who loves Historical Fiction to add to the flavor of the Social Studies classroom, I was looking forward to using this book. To me, the value of the book being a representation of an African American family in the 1960's was ruined by unnecessarily crude language.
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Summary: Oh, What FUN
Review: I read this book last year but enjoyed it so much I wanted to add my two cents. Adult or child, you will enjoy the characters in this wonderful story of family. The Watson's trip was minimal compared to the rest of the story. I say if you're going to take a trip, young or old, take the Watson's with you. Peace and love, Breezee.
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Summary: Excellent Book for all Children
Review: The main character is ten-year-old, African-American, Kenny Watson. Kenny is the middle child of a family that lives in Flint, Michigan. This story is mostly about Kenny, his times at school and the love/hate relationships with his older brother, Byron and little sister, Joetta. Kenny is a bright child, and an excellent reader, but he has lazy eyes. These attributes sometimes cause him to be made fun of. Kenny's brother gets into much trouble during the time of the book and the parents decide to send him to his grandmother for the summer. Near the end of the book, the whole family takes a trip to Birmingham, Alabama to drop off Byron. While there, Kenny almost drowns in a lake and Joetta is nearly killed, during one infamous bombing of an African American church. The children are exposed to the hatred felt toward their people and the book ends with their dealing of this hatred. The epilogue is excellent in summing up some of the events of that time period, and of the heroes that were prevalent. The hatred and racism touches you deeply because you had grown to love and respect the Watson family.
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Summary: da bomb
Review: this book was an eexcellent book about a family in flynt Michagan. It was great.
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Summary: The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963
Review: This story is about five African americans who visit birmingham.Who are effected by an Historical event that takes the lives of four young girl I liked the book The Watson Go to Birmingham because, I liked how the book had mixed emotions and how it gave great description words and details about what was happening.I didn't like how it ended because I think they should have added more to tell about what happened in his life.In my opinion if you read this book you are sure to have a great time reading it. It's a thrilling book,it's lots of fun to read.
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Summary: Shelly's Review
Review: The book The Watsons Go to Birmingham -1963 is a great book. I have never read or heard of this book before. It is a true piece of literature. It is about a black family in 1963. It shows the ugly truth about prejudice, and reality. The book tells a real story of a family who moves to the southern states and sees how different their lives change, and the lives of how their family lives in the south. The book is truly a winner. It shows reality in a time period we would like to forget. It shows true life and struggle for a person of a different color. It is to our dismay to see how some people were treated, because of race or color. This book tells a great story of the past.
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Summary: Be a part of the Wierd Watsons
Review: This is great book to read to children. I read this book for my Children's Literature class and I loved it. I felt like I was sitting in their house and was a part of their family. This book is full of humor and tragedy. Curtis captures the emotions of everyone in the family. I think anyone can relate to this book. I know I can because everytime my family went on vacation my dad would fix up the car before we would leave. Curtis does a nice job of tying in The Civil Rights Movement even though he does not come out and say it, an example would be when the Watson's thought Joey was at the church when the bomb went off. This book gives a good description of what is was like in during the Civil Rights Movement. This is a great book for young children to read.
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Summary: Watsons go to Birmingham-1963
Review: This book is about a family in 1963 that lives in FlintMichigan but are from Birmingham. They were nicknamed the weirdWatsons and in this book you will find out why. There are 5 people in the Watson family, Momma- with here toothless grin. Dad- time to wax the brown bommer again! Byron- now an official juvenile delinquent. Kenny- the wool pooh is coming! Joetta-as usually just tryng to save Byron's life. Byron is not what you would call a "good" boy, and he is where the story starts. After many months of Byron lighting matches, diying his hair, skipping school, charging cookies to his parent's account, and more, Dad and Momma decided to send him to Birmingham for the summer. They could not afford a plane, Momma hates the train and wouldn't let Byron go by himself, so they decided to drive. Then they could stay at grandma Sands house. but When they get there the circumstsnses change completely. In the end the whole family, including Byron, ends up back home and Kenny ends up in the world famous Watson pet hospital. This is a very good book, and it has won many awards. I would recomend this book to young adults that like touching stories or to laugh out loud, but really kids 9 to 99 will love this book!
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Summary: The Wacky Watsons
Review: The Watsons are a black family living in Flint, Michigan, in 1963. The Watson Family consists of Wilona and Daniel Watson, and their children ( in order starting with the oldest ) Byron, Kenny and Joetta. The book is told through Kenny, and touches apon the hardships and joys that the Watsons go through. Experience life as it was through the eyes of the Watsons perspective in 1963. You should definitely read this book if you like humor and family. The book is great! This book really strengthens family values and relationships between sibilings. By reading this book, you and your parents will see how the children and parents come together in times of need, and you will see for yourself what the characters in the book did to stick together when hard times hit the Watsons. READ THIS BOOK!
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