Alex Connelly

January 30, 2015

LSW: The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963
Christopher Paul Curtis The Watsons Go to Birmingham -1963 is a fun story about a ten
year old boy, Kenny, who narrates the account of time spent with his family in Flint, Michigan as
well as a trip down to Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. The story is probably most appealing to
children because it comes from a childs point of view. The diction matches the vocabulary level,
making the book accessible and enjoyable to read.
Children can relate to Kennys reasoning, perception, and description of the world around
him. While he does have some profound and deep inner contemplation, such as during the time
he spent in the Watsons World-Famous Pet Hospital, he does typically perceive situations and
conversations as an upper-elementary school child does. For example, Kenny believes Bryon
when Bryon tells the story about the frozen people in the streets who are cleaned up early every
morning by dump trucks. Kenny provides the reader with fun and entertainment through his
imagery, such as the scene when Bryon gets his lips stuck to the car mirror while kissing himself
in negative degree weather.
Kenny also offers us a through description of his family and his experiences with them.
Kenny doesnt always understand his parents reasoning and decisions, but he can accept that they
are Momma and Dad and they make the rules. Bryon is his older brother who causes him
physical and emotional pain, but protects Kenny from harm other than the kind caused by Bryon
himself. Joey is his annoying but sweet-hearted sister. Like any child, he loves his family, even
when they drive him crazy.