The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963

I sit here having just finished the last page of Christopher Paul Curtis's, The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963. The first word to come to mind was "riveting".

I started it two days ago and sat for a few hours tonight and finished it off.

The first half of the book gives us the main character's, Kenny's, first person view of his family. Ten year old Kenny, lives with his father, mother, older brother, and younger sister. He takes us on a typical everyday journey of a traditional working class African-American family. Scenes are set at home, in school, and in the neighborhood. Dad works outside the home while mom holds down the fort inside the home.

Chapter titles are one-liners from within the chapter, capturing the chapter's essence as only a 10-year old can.

We see such themes as sibling rivalry, bullying, tested friendship, and the "blood is thicker" principle all at work. Furthermore, we see the rebellious oldest son, whose parents are at their wits end, set the stage for the second half of the book.

Thinking that some time away from the hustle, bustle, and unrighteous influences of Flint, Michigan, the Watson parents decide that Byron, the oldest son, needs to spend some time away, in Birmingham, in 1963. There, Grandma Sands welcomes everyone with open arms, reuniting with her daughter, Mrs. Watson and her family whom she hadn't seen in a decade.

The family stays for a few weeks before a tragic event in the city forces them to cut the trip short, change the plan for their oldest son, and cause another of their children to feel shame!

There were times I chuckled, out right laughed, frowned, sighed, and put paper under each line so that my eyes would not catch a glimpse at what would be forthcoming.

I would recommend this book for those in 6th grade and up. The book does contain some cursing and swearing. I'd just give parents a heads up before they read the book with their child. As a parent, I'd want that heads-up.