The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963
Written by Christopher Curtis
Reviewed by Sammy M. (age 10)
“There’s that little egghead punk,” Bumphead says during this book. Don’t laugh at anyone, treat people how you would like to be treated. The book I read was The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis. The main character of this book is this kid named Kenny, who is not treated correctly or respectfully at school. I think Kenny isn’t treated right, because his brother is mean to him and then all the other people gain up with Byron and are mean to Kenny too.
This story happens in 1963, when the Civil Rights Movement is taking place. Kenny’s family lives in Flint, Michigan. They live in a small house with a heater that does not work properly. Kenny always goes to school, unlike his brother Byron, who skips about two days every week. Anyway, Kenny goes on the bus to get to school and a new kid, Rufus, arrived. When he arrived on the bus everyone laughed at him, because he had a Texas’ accent. Guess who didn’t laugh at him? Kenny! Kenny and Rufus become pretty good friends.
I think all the unique characters make the book come alive. Kenny has an older brother, Byron, who is a bully at school and out of school. I feel Byron is always getting in trouble during the book. His little sister, Joey, is very kind hearted. My favorite character is Kenny, because I think he is really smart. I also feel bad for Kenny, because no one really likes him, but Rufus...and of course me. All that’s left to say is read the book, because the book is so wonderful. It’s wonderful, because it is informative and absolutely hilarious!!!!!
This is a very delightful book, I would recommend it for all ages, because it takes you back to the Civil Rights Movement. You can learn more about what happened during that time in our history and it is also funny.