The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
A Review By: SS
Enter the hilarious world of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There's Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, Kenny, and Byron, Kenny's older brother, who at thirteen is an "official juvenile delinquent."
When Momma and Dad decide it's time for a visit to Grandma, Dad comes home with the amazing Ultra-Glide, and the Watsons set out on a trip like no other. Heading south, they're going to Birmingham, Alabama, and toward one of the darkest moments in America's history.
By turns comic, tragic and touching, this remarkable Newbery Honor work, delightfully performed by LeVar Burton in this unabridged production, will delight listeners young and old as they meet Christopher Paul Curtis, a storyteller of bold ambition and a true and original voice, and his inimitable Watsons.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2003
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): LeVar Burton
Readers quickly become absorbed in the story of the Watson Family, who reside in Flint, Michigan. Most of the story follows the family’s day to day life, allowing readers to see how the family members deal with issues at school and at home, while touching on various social issues of the era. The latter part of the story allows readers to follow the Watsons on their journey to their maternal grandmother’s home in Birmingham, Alabama, where life is quite different than at home in Michigan. While in Alabama, the family witnesses a tragic event that plays an important part of American history. Readers are able to see how this family is able to cope with the aftermath.
I enjoyed the Watson family’s banter throughout the story. The author touches on very serious topics in a way that young readers are able to understand. He made the story relatable and LeVar Burton did a superb job of bringing each character to life, young and old.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 5 (I need another one!)
Content Warnings? Human or animal loss
