Reading Rams Summer I, 2014 discussion
The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
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As I began reading The Watson’s Go to Birmingham-1963, I was expecting a history lesson. The front of the book held a memorial to four young girls, but no explanation other than “the toll for one day in one city.” I wondered what it meant. The names of these young girls were unfamiliar to me, and I did not understand the context. I presumed that an explanation would appear in the book. The more I read, the more I wondered when they would be going to Birmingham. I knew what they would encounter there and believed that the story would be about the Watson family and their journey through the Civil Rights movement. The more I read, the more confused I became. Finally, about two-thirds of the way into the book, the Watsons finally leave for Birmingham. There is a brief discussion in which the parents mention that there are only certain places they can stop on the way, but any confrontation is circumvented by the fact that the father drives all of the way through to Alabama. Finally, in Chapter 14, less than twenty-five pages from the end, the author strikes his blow. It was shocking and devastating to read. I read the epilogue as well, and finally discovered the truth about the memorial at the front of the novel. My initial reaction was that I wished the author had built more background of the climate before revealing the devastation. After several days of thinking about it, I concluded that perhaps the author intended it to be shocking. The Watson children lived in an area where they did not encounter much discrimination. They were more financially stable then some of their white neighbors. The troubles they faced were those of anyone in that area. By, Kenny, and Joey had no concept of the devastation and hatred that was being spewed at their race throughout the South. In writing this novel the way he did, he put me in Kenny’s shoes. It allowed me to experience it a way that I can truly understand how Kenny is irrevocably changed by it. As a society, we become numb to the violence we see every day. We know that people are being murdered on a consistent basis, but that does not keep us hiding out in our houses. We go about our daily business and ignore the mayhem around us. It takes a deplorable incident, like 9-11 to wake us from our stupor. The church bombing in the novel was just that for Kenny. It was an act so hideous and unfathomable that it rocked his world and changed him forever. For me as a reader, it brought home the message of racism and the climate of the civil rights movement in a way that could never have been gained through facts or descriptions. Excellent yet haunting read.
I agree with you, Cynthia, about more build up before the bombing. The book dragged (in my opinion) for 14 chapters and then the climax hit so abruptly it felt somewhat empty. Not that a bombing of a church should ever feel satisfying but as the crowning moment of the novel I shouldn't have been left wanting more. The ending was more of what I expected the novel to be- more heartfelt, but it wasn't enough to make up for the first half (and more) of the book.
Jenna wrote: "No matter how far removed they felt from it all, the events of that era could still reach out and touch them."Jenna I loved the way you put this. Though the story lagged at times, I felt the author made it so much more powerful by surprising all of us with the church bombing. Being able to see everything through Kenny's eyes, who didn't understand what was happening, it drove home the point that no one was able to fully escape the devastation done to African-Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
The book started out kind of slow for me but once the famiy got to Birmingham the pace pickef up and I really got into it. I was able to identify with Kenny the most when he almost drowned in the lake because I almost drowned in the ocean. The author did an amazing job with the descriptions. I also loved the way the author lead the reader to believe that Joetta was killed in the church bombing. I almost started crying because ten years ago I almost lost my youngest daughter and as I was reading how Kenny felt it brought up many of the same feelings I had. it triggered memories of watching the marches on tv when i was growing up and seeing different aspects of the civil rights movement.
The book started out kind of slow for me but once the famiy got to Birmingham the pace pickef up and I really got into it. I was able to identify with Kenny the most when he almost drowned in the lake because I almost drowned in the ocean. The author did an amazing job with the descriptions. I also loved the way the author lead the reader to believe that Joetta was killed in the church bombing. I almost started crying because ten years ago I almost lost my youngest daughter and as I was reading how Kenny felt it brought up many of the same feelings I had. it triggered memories of watching the marches on tv when i was growing up and seeing different aspects of the civil rights movement.
The book started out kind of slow for me but once the famiy got to Birmingham the pace pickef up and I really got into it. I was able to identify with Kenny the most when he almost drowned in the lake because I almost drowned in the ocean. The author did an amazing job with the descriptions. I also loved the way the author lead the reader to believe that Joetta was killed in the church bombing. I almost started crying because ten years ago I almost lost my youngest daughter and as I was reading how Kenny felt it brought up many of the same feelings I had. it triggered memories of watching the marches on tv when i was growing up and seeing different aspects of the civil rights movement.
The book started out kind of slow for me but once the famiy got to Birmingham the pace pickef up and I really got into it. I was able to identify with Kenny the most when he almost drowned in the lake because I almost drowned in the ocean. The author did an amazing job with the descriptions. I also loved the way the author lead the reader to believe that Joetta was killed in the church bombing. I almost started crying because ten years ago I almost lost my youngest daughter and as I was reading how Kenny felt it brought up many of the same feelings I had. it triggered memories of watching the marches on tv when i was growing up and seeing different aspects of the civil rights movement.
The book started out kind of slow for me but once the famiy got to Birmingham the pace pickef up and I really got into it. I was able to identify with Kenny the most when he almost drowned in the lake because I almost drowned in the ocean. The author did an amazing job with the descriptions. I also loved the way the author lead the reader to believe that Joetta was killed in the church bombing. I almost started crying because ten years ago I almost lost my youngest daughter and as I was reading how Kenny felt it brought up many of the same feelings I had. it triggered memories of watching the marches on tv when i was growing up and seeing different aspects of the civil rights movement.
The watson’s go to BirminghamI remember my 4th grade teacher reading this story to us as a read aloud. I remember reading it once someone had given me the book back in middle school. I had to read the book again because I couldn’t remember anything from back then except for the part were Bryon got his tongue stuck to the mirror and where Mama was about to burn him with a lighter. I enjoyed this story as an adult reader. It was funny entertaining and though I had read it before I couldn’t remember so I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I do not like how the scenes would change each chapter would be a different story or plot. I wanted to know what happened to Rufus or what happened to Larry.
Byron was the older brother … had flunked a few times and loved teasing his brother Kenny. He always teamed up with Buphead.
Kenny met Rufus and became good friends with Rufus … rufus was poor and had a brother named cody.
They would eat after Kenny’s lunch on days this showed how much heart Kenny had and what type of person he was.
Byron got his tongue stuck to the mirror from licking the mirror one day during freezing weather
And Kenny had to pour hot water which froze up instantly ( I found this to be a funny part of the story)
Byron was always into trouble. He was just a kid who did everything for attention or just because for laughs or whatever. His Mom and Dad were tired of his antics so they decided to drive him to Grandma Sand’s house to stay for a while.
Kenny wanted to go to colliers landing a place where granny forbid them to go but Byron didn’t even want to go this part of the story was so impactful because Kenny was being the total opposite of how he normally was and it seemed like him and Byron had switched places. Byron ended up rescuing his brother which is symbolic in my opinion they sort of saved their relationship too. That trip to Alabama was what Byron needed to change for the better. The ending was pretty sad and I became teary eyed. It reminded me of the Birmingham Bombing that killed the four little girls. I always remembered hearing about the Birmingham Bombing and I didn’t expect it to be in the book, although every time I think of Birmingham that’s what I think about. I found it amazing how Jody’s brother somewhat saved her. She said she saw him and started following out of the church… one of the reasons she didn’t get killed in the bombing.
Always a wonderful read, I understand the story so much better than I did as a fourth grader.
So sad and a good read.
Jenna wrote: "This book progressed extremely slowly for me. I just couldn't figure out the point or plot of it until basically the very end. I didn't hate it, but it was definitely one of those books I had to ma..."I agree... I believe to wait until chapter 14 or 15 for the heart of the story wasn't the ideal way to write the story. I also felt like some chapters just left you hanging... with lots of unanswered questions.
Cynthia wrote: "As I began reading The Watson’s Go to Birmingham-1963, I was expecting a history lesson. The front of the book held a memorial to four young girls, but no explanation other than “the toll for one ..."Very well written Cynthia. You are certainly correct, we as people become numb or live in our own little box at times that we forget about the struggles of others around us. I think the trip to Birmingham was a good wake up call for Byron and Kenny as well. They hadn't realized what they could be up against until they experienced hatred and the almost loss of a family member. I don't remember reading this part when I was younger... maybe I was too young to even understand what I was reading.
Mod
As I read the first chapter, I was laughing so hard about Byron getting stuck to the mirror. I still was not too sure about what the book would be about. I enjoyed reading as more information was given about the relationship of the three siblings. They seemed like any other family. The oldest, Byron, trying to stretch his wings and become more independent. Kenny trying to get past the nerd stage. Joetta tattling about things and being a pest. They did seem to have it better than some of the families that lived in their neighborhood. I felt so bad for Rufus when Kenny laughed at him. Kenny had found someone he could be friends with and then Kenny treats Rufus the way others had treated Kenny. Kenny knew he had not done the right thing. I was happy when he apologized. It did seem to take a long time to get to the part about Birmingham. The things that happened in the South seemed so foreign to the Watson children. They had not experienced the terrible things that were happening in the South. Kenny has a hard time processing what has happened. For Byron, he seems to understand that Kenny has to work through what happened. But Byron finally has to be a big brother and get Kenny back to being a part of the family. Byron seems to be different too after returning from Birmingham. Overall, I liked the book.
Cathy wrote: "The book started out kind of slow for me but once the famiy got to Birmingham the pace pickef up and I really got into it. I was able to identify with Kenny the most when he almost drowned in the l..."I too was reminded of events that happened when I was young. I remember overhearing discussions about schools being integrated. Fort Worth began the practice of busing students when I was in elementary school.
Shanay wrote: "The watson’s go to BirminghamI remember my 4th grade teacher reading this story to us as a read aloud. I remember reading it once someone had given me the book back in middle school. I had to re..."
I liked the Collier's Landing part too. I found it interesting that Byron is the one who followed directions and not Kenny. I agree that the incident changed the relationship between Byron and Kenny. I think Byron might have realized that his not doing the right thing was influencing Kenny, negatively.
Shanay, I did listen to this book on tape, but I remember just where I stopped. Funny. I stopped at the cussing. It's one thing to read it and another thing to listen to it. The last thing I needed back then was for my three kiddos to have some practice using a funny foreign tongue. The profanity, the bullying by Larry Dunn, and the fight or whipping Byron gave to Larry over stealing Kenny's gloves were too real for me. However, overall I did like the book.I must admit I could not fight back the tears as Kenny fought the battle of his fears. He had seen the blackness of death with "Wool Pooh" and the two little girls from the church. It was overwhelming and life changing.
There were funny parts of the book like Byron's lips freezing on the car's mirror and Dad buying the record player for the car. Those scenes reminded me of when I was little. I could relate to the humor of it all. I liked Rufus and Cody. I am from Arkansas and I remember a couple of northerners calling me "hillbilly". I didn't think I sounded any different than they did.
I do love the weird Watsons. As problematic as Byron seemed to be, he had to know he was apart of one of the best families in the world.
Jennifer wrote: "As I read the first chapter, I was laughing so hard about Byron getting stuck to the mirror. I still was not too sure about what the book would be about. I enjoyed reading as more information was..."I was was happy to see Byron fulfill his role as a big brother at a time when Kenny really needed his strength of character most. Byron's attitude and action where the remedy for making Kenny's world normal again. Kenny found security in his brother remaining the same.
Shanay wrote: "The watson’s go to BirminghamI remember my 4th grade teacher reading this story to us as a read aloud. I remember reading it once someone had given me the book back in middle school. I had to re..."
Did you notice that at the beginning and the end of the book Byron is still looking at himself in the mirror? Although his exterior makeup and attitude is the same with the addition of a few chin hairs, his heart has been softened by the bomb and caring for Kenny.
This book started out slow for me. It took me a littler while to really get into this book. I think the author took too long to get to climax of the book. I understand the build up of the characters but I still found myself skimming through the book. I just wanted them to get to Birmingham. However, I think it's a good story that shows a different side of that time period. When we talk about the Civil Rights movement we focus on the African Americans living in the south. I have never thought about the ones living in areas that might not have been as dangerous. I think students would enjoy reading this book. I think it would show them different sides of the Civil Rights movement. I think students would be able to relate to the family dynamics. I enjoyed reading Byron's change of heart. I also enjoyed the relationship between Byron and Kenny. I think it paints a true picture of sibling relationships. We are always able to step up to our sibling role when needed. So many themes could be discussed in the classroom from this book.
Jenna wrote: "This book progressed extremely slowly for me. I just couldn't figure out the point or plot of it until basically the very end. I didn't hate it, but it was definitely one of those books I had to ma..."Very good point about 9/11. That might even be an activity you could do with older students. They could compare and contrast the impact the events had on society.
Jenna wrote: "This book progressed extremely slowly for me. I just couldn't figure out the point or plot of it until basically the very end. I didn't hate it, but it was definitely one of those books I had to ma..."I like your ending point. When tragedies like the bombing happen so many people are impacted, not just the victims. I think we often forget that.
This book was wonderful. The family was very awesome and I loved them all. Kenny telling the story and exaggerating everything was hilarious. Dad had to be my favorite of them all. The way he was played off to be very scary just seemed funny to me. His love for the record player in the car I feel like I could see it. Although I loved the book I thought it was strange that they didn't even talk about Birmingham until over halfway through. Grandma Sands was perfect. How everyone talked about her before leaving reminded me of my grandma. Everyone was threatened to go live with grandma if they weren't behaving. The Wool Pooh was hilarious and I thought about stories that my sister would make up. If only he would have listened. The bombing part put me in tears. I still have no idea why Kenny saw his sisters picture in the shoe. I cried through the whole rest of the book and laughed when By was looking at himself and his beard. This was a great read.
Jennifer wrote: "As I read the first chapter, I was laughing so hard about Byron getting stuck to the mirror. I still was not too sure about what the book would be about. I enjoyed reading as more information was..."Rufus and Cody really tugged my mom string. Kenny didn't really know why they forgot their lunches everyday but his momma did. I felt very sad when Kenny laughed and when he first thought that he was going to save him by being the one who got bullied. I'm glad they made up and after By talked to Kenny in the end he was off to find Rufus.
Sdg22 wrote: "Shanay, I did listen to this book on tape, but I remember just where I stopped. Funny. I stopped at the cussing. It's one thing to read it and another thing to listen to it. The last thing I nee..."I was hoping that Byron would change his ways. When they got to Grandmas you saw a completely different By. I was really happy when he chose to not go to the landing. I am also glad that he decide to go and check on Kenny and end up saving him.
Mandy wrote: "This book was wonderful. The family was very awesome and I loved them all. Kenny telling the story and exaggerating everything was hilarious. Dad had to be my favorite of them all. The way he was p..."This comment is about the picture in the shoe. If you type in "Buster Brown shoe logo," you will see several logos used by this shoe company. Some, if not all of the shoes, have a logo imprinted on the sole. Before the bombing, Kenny describes Joey's shoes. Later as he describes the shoe he is pulling away from Wool Pooh after the bombing, it matches the earlier description. That, and the white socks lead the reader to believe that Joey was involved.
V. wrote: "Mandy wrote: "This book was wonderful. The family was very awesome and I loved them all. Kenny telling the story and exaggerating everything was hilarious. Dad had to be my favorite of them all. Th..."I never thought about buster brown shoes. I actually wore those as a kid (the black and white ones). I just remember something about a picture in a shoe earlier in the story. It could have possibly been in another book, who knows by this time.
I just saw the logo, haven't seen that in a looooooong time.
Strong relationships are built over time. Nothing earth shattering has to happen, but the more experiences you have with someone, the better you know them. The reader does spend a lot of time with the Watson family before they embark upon their trip to Birmingham. We see how Daniel, the father, uses humor to connect the family and keep it a joyful place to be. We know the parents want their children to mature into responsible adults who have deep character. We see the parents committed to each other in their marriage. By the time they leave on their journey, we know them pretty well. I don't think I realized how much I liked them until we think Joey is among the victims of the bombing. My heart was almost wrenched out because I felt I knew this little girl and I had come to adore the family. This story puts me in a place of empathy. Stories like this about almost any issue nudge readers to become firmer in their position on the issue and be more vocal among their family and peers and in their voting.
Sdg22 wrote: "Shanay wrote: "The watson’s go to BirminghamI remember my 4th grade teacher reading this story to us as a read aloud. I remember reading it once someone had given me the book back in middle scho..."
I don't think I noticed he was looking in the mirror again, but I did notice his attitude was the same. I am so glad he matured into the older, caring brother he became.
This was a really good story. The little brother's point of view about the world around him. His brother, a typical teenager, sent off to his grandmother to "straighten" him out. A little sister who, bugs everyone and cries at everything. He's got his family pegged very accurately. The author did a superb job in all his descriptions, the car, the pictures he painted while traveling through different states, the feelings and attitudes of the people during this time in our history. Excellent!
V. wrote: "Sdg22 wrote: "Shanay wrote: "The watson’s go to BirminghamI remember my 4th grade teacher reading this story to us as a read aloud. I remember reading it once someone had given me the book back ..."
I very coming of age story, during a difficult time in our history. ( Sarah)
This book is Awesome! I loved it. I got so into it on the first page. It is filled with exciting events. This book is thrilling and interesting. It teaches you the real reason of having a good family.
Jennifer wrote: "For Byron, he seems to understand that Kenny has to work through what happened. But Byron finally has to be a big brother and get Kenny back to being a part of the family. Byron seems to be different too after returning from Birmingham. "I loved seeing the change in Byron. At the beginning of the story he was such a snot. He seemed to do things just to spite his parents. The way that he handled Kenny, allowing him time to work through his problems, and the support he gave him was great to witness. Byron became a deeper and more likeable character.
I liked the book. It took me a while to get into it but some books do that. I liked that the family moved to the south to get their older son to behave. I would like to think that the south can teach people how to behave better. I am glad that Byron's parents decided to bring him to Birmingham but I can't help but think about what was happening there at the time and feel embarrassed. I know that it isn't our fault and that it was a different time but still.
Cathy wrote: "I was able to identify with Kenny the most when he almost drowned in the lake because I almost drowned in the ocean."I could also identify with Kenny. I almost drowned at my friends lake house when I was ten. Her house was at Lake Worth and the water was very deep even close to the house. It was very scary. I still have nightmares about it!
V wrote: "I don't think I realized how much I liked them until we think Joey is among the victims of the bombing. My heart was almost wrenched out because I felt I knew this little girl and I had come to adore the family."I agree. I was thinking the same thing as I read this part of the book. I was very scared for Joey.
I will say that the author did a great job of developing these characters. They were very real to me and I loved their quick wit (the father, Daniel), the playful teasing between the siblings, the small acts of brotherly love, Byron's more tender moments, and especially the description of Wilona trying to set Byron's hands on fire!
In the end I realize the author's tactic a little more. The story wasn't about those girls in the front dedication or even the Civil Rights Movement as a whole; it was about how those events impacted one family and one young boy in particular. No matter how far removed they felt from it all, the events of that era could still reach out and touch them. The end of this novel wasn't hard to get through and I found it very moving. However, I still can't say I was hooked from paragraph one.