Reviews

The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

estrellalli's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rachael1221's review against another edition

5.0

This was a top-notch book when I read it way back in Mr. Stracco’s class, and it is a top-notch book still. Besides being peak kids-on-bikes-in-summer, and it’s also important in the way Ella Enchanted is. Every kid should read this book, and then lie on the floor and listen to Joan Baez sing “Birmingham Sunday” and think about things and have that be their introduction to Civil Rights. Well, I’m sure there are other books out there that are also good for that purpose, but this book is great for that purpose, the way The Wednesday Wars is for Vietnam.
So 5 stars all around.

arthurdeodat's review against another edition

5.0

Think "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" (the basis for A Christmas Story), but about a black family from Flint, MI rather than a white family from Indiana. With a much more serious final vignette.

Pro-tip: listen to the audiobook narrated by Levar Burton

wardo2700's review against another edition

5.0

An enjoyable book to read that had a powerful underlying message about the civil rights movement of the early 60’s. The author created some main characters that were quite funny in their interactions with each other. The strength of the connections between the family members was evident through out the book and added to its impact as a piece of literature. This book could have easily won the Newbery over the winner The Midwife’s Apprentice in my opinion.

librarydancer's review against another edition

DNF. I have liked other Curtis' books very much, but could not understand why this one was an award winner.

linora's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

An excellent middle grade book that makes history relatable to young readers. Starts conversations about sad and unfair topics in a thoughtful and age appropriate way. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism and Violence

readingforever26's review against another edition

5.0

It was super funny. You get to really like the characters in the book. I read this book 3 times. All the times through school and every time I loved it even more. I also read another book of this author and I loved it too. Christopher Paul Curtis is a really good writer. The cover makes the book not seem as good, but once you pick it up and read the first chapter your hooked.

linneamo's review against another edition

2.0

genre: historical fiction

summary: story takes place during the civil rights era, boy and family travel from Michigan to Alabama to visit their grandmother. while in Alabama, a church is bombed and four young girls are killed.

notes: slightly confusing at the end when describing Kenny's trauma

for kids who like: Bud Not Buddy

age group: age 11

my review: i was bored. characterization done well

booksrachelreads's review against another edition

4.0

Beginning of this read more like a collection of short stories about the Weird Watsons. This book was quirky and fun and also heartfelt and deep and the family dynamics at the end made it for me

ajay913's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0