The Watsons go to Birmingham - 1963

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 is a historical fiction novel written by Christopher Paul Curtis. Published in 1995, it follows the story of the Watson family, an African American family from Flint, Michigan, as the travel to Birmingham, Alabama, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

The protagonist, Kenny Watson, is a ten-year-old boy who narrates the story, offering a mix of humor and serious reflections on race, family, and growing up. His older brother, Byron, is a rebellious teenager whose misbehavior prompts their parents to take the family on a road trip to Birmingham, where they plan to leave him with their strict grandmother, Grandma Sands, in hope of straightening him out.

While the novel initially focuses on the family's daily life and sibling dynamics, the tone shifts dramatically when they arrive in Birmingham. The witness the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, a real historical event that resulted in the deaths of four young Black girls. This tragedy deeply affects Kenny, who struggles to process the violence and racism he encounters.

Despite its serious themes, the novel is also filled with warmth, humor, and messages of resilience. It highlights the strength of family bonds and the impact of historical events on everyday lives. The book is widely read in schools and praised for making complex historical issues accessible to young readers.

We found this book in Spearfish, SD. It had been banned/removed from an elementary school in Gillette, Wyoming. It has also been banned in Utah and some schools in Virginia as well.

Used book