Genre 5: Historical Fiction

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 1995. THE WATSON'S GO TO BIRMINGHAM--1963. New York: Yearling. ISBN 0440414121

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Set in the racially tense year of 1963, Kenny's family is known as the Weird Watsons in their hometown of Flint, Michigan. Kenny's family consists of his younger sister, Joetta (Joey); his "juvenile delinquent" older brother, Byron; his Momma; and Dad. As Byron's behavior continues to worsen, and his friendships are questionable, Momma and Dad decide to return "home" to Birmingham, Alabama, where they plan to leave Byron with his grandma. The car trip has to be planned to the last detail, because the Watsons won't be able to stop where the white people would. After a tumultuous journey, the Watsons arrive in Birmingham, which seems to have an almost immediate positive effect upon the family. However, when Kenny almost drowns in a "Wool Pooh" and Joey is feared lost (but not) in a racially charged bombing at the church, Kenny withdraws emotionally. It takes Byron to help Kenny realize he couldn't have done anything to save the young girls who died in the bombing, and to help him begin to heal emotionally.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Curtis exemplifies historical fiction through the way he balances literary elements, strengthening the authenticity of the novel. Curtis sets his story by vividly portraying the vast divide in the country that was occurring in 1963. The Watson family begins in the automotive capital of Flint, Michigan, and then travels to the deep south of Birmingham, Alabama, where racial tensions are still running rampant. The dialogue of each character is both true to the times, and to the circumstances they are up against. Slang and southern dialect are used to further develop the characters. Each member of the Watson family is believable and true to the way Curtis intends the reader to see them. The characters of Byron and Kenny are particularly complex, with each having to come to grips with their personal demons, and grow from their hardships. Ultimately, the theme of the novel is one which resonates true today, that of family love and strength overcoming uncontrollable obstacles. Curtis' style is particularly successful as he weaves the history of the time into his characters' lives. The bombing of the church in Alabama is based on an actual bombing that occurred at that time, and by using this setting, Curtis is able to let the reader feel what it might have felt like for blacks during this pivotal period in history.

4. REVEIW EXCEPRTS
* A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
* A CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR BOOK
* A GOLDEN KITE AWARD FOR FICTION
* PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (STARRED): "An exceptional first novel."
* SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Curtis's ability to switch from fun to funky to poinpoint-accurate psychological imagery works unusually well. Ribald humor, sly sibling digs, and a totally believable child's view of the world will make this book an instant hit."
* BOOKLIST: "In this compelling first novel, form and content are one."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Read other historical fiction books by Christopher Paul Curtis including:
BUD NOT BUDDY
ISBN 0440413281
* Read other novels by Christopher Pual Curtis including:
MR. CHICKEE'S FINNY MONEY
ISBN 0385327722
MR. CHICKEE'S MESSY MISSION
ISBN 0385327757
* Read a biogrpahy or look up biographical information on Christopher Paul Curtis as his books tend to be set in the city in which he grew up-- Flint, Michigan.
* Have students research the timeline of Blacks in America in both the South and the North and when they received various rights. Discuss whether or not students feel blacks still are discriminated against, and if so, in which areas.