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The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963

by Christopher Paul Curtis

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A family road trip through a pivotal moment in history

Critically Recognized

$11.94 USD

~~$19.90 USD~~ $11.94 USD

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Awards & Recognition

Award recognition
Newbery Honor book
Identified in the supplied description as a Newbery honoree (Newbery Honor).
Author recognition
Author recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement
The description identifies Christopher Paul Curtis as a recipient of this lifetime achievement award.
Critical praise
Praise from The New York Times
The New York Times calls the book “Marvelous . . . both comic and deeply moving.”

A family road trip through a pivotal moment in history

Kenny Watson’s family sets out from home for Birmingham, Alabama, where they plan to visit his grandmother. Their trip places a child’s perspective alongside the civil rights era, as the family approaches a tragic moment in American history. The book brings together family relationships, humor, and historical context, with the Watsons’ journey providing the frame for the story. This edition also includes a map of the route, a new foreword and afterword by Christopher Paul Curtis, original manuscript pages, a letter from the Newbery committee, and essays by authors reflecting on the book’s legacy.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

Children ages 9–12 interested in family stories set against historical events
Readers exploring African American history and the civil rights movement
Readers who enjoy stories centered on siblings and family life

Themes

Family bondsChildhood perspectiveThe civil rights movementHistorical tragedyHumor amid hardship

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

When the Watson family--ten-year-old Kenny, Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron--sets out on a trip south to visit Grandma in Birmingham, Alabama, they don't realize that they're heading toward one of the darkest moments in America's history. The Watsons' journey reminds us that even in the hardest times, laughter and family can help us get through anything.

"A modern classic." --NPR

"Marvelous . . . both comic and deeply moving." --The New York Times

"One of the best novels EVER." --Jacqueline Woodson, Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming

Bonus Content
- New foreword and afterword from the author
- Map of the Watsons' journey
- Original manuscript pages and letter from the Newbery committee
- Personal essays celebrating the book's legacy by award-winning authors: Elizabeth Acevedo, Chris Crutcher, Kate DiCamillo, Varian Johnson, David Barclay Moore, Jason Reynolds, Jerry Spinelli, Vince Vawter, Rita Williams-Garcia, and Jacqueline Woodson

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Customer reviews

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