The Watsons go to Birmingham -1963 was overall my favorite book of 2016. I just recently read the book in my seventh grade reading class. Personally I thought the novel was a eye-opening, heart-warming, page-turning book. The way the whole book was laid out was brilliant, all of the characters played such an important part in the novel. For example, Byron is a juvenile delinquent, but a softie at heart. In the book when Kenny, Joetta,and By went swimming Joey, and Byron listened to Grandma Sands, and stayed away from Collier’s Landing. Kenny, on the other hand, did not. Before Kenny went swimming Byron told Kenny, and Joetta this long story about Winnie the Poohs evil twin brother, the Wool Pooh. Once Kenny went swimming he got caught in the whirlpool. When Kenny got caught Byron came running after Kenny and jumped in after him. Under the water Kenny thought Byron was the Wool Pooh, and started trying to fight him off. Luckily, Byron was stronger Kenny and managed to pull him back up out of the water. When he did Byron was kissing Kennys head and thanking god that he got there in time. The chapter “I Meet Winnie's Evil Twin Brother, the Wool Pooh” is an amazing way to show how Byron and Kenny feel towards each other. Its also a great example to show how complex Byron's personality is.
I also loved how Christopher Paul Curtis came up with all of these family moments that not only brought them closer together but made YOU feel like YOU’RE in the book watching them!
The last thing i'm going to add on to my comment is that I would recommend this novel too other young kids my age. It’s an amazing book that you’ll never want to put down!
Buy new:
-28%$14.45$14.45
Buy new:
-28%$14.45$14.45
$3.99 deliveryOctober 7 - 8
Ships from:Broad-Street-Books
Sold by:Broad-Street-Books
Save with Used - Very Good
$3.96$3.96
Save with Used - Very Good
$3.96$3.96
$3.98 deliveryWednesday, October 9
Ships from:glenthebookseller
Sold by:glenthebookseller
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer -no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Audible sampleFollow the author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
OK
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963Audio CD – Unabridged, May 10, 2005
by
Christopher Paul Curtis
(Author),
LeVar Burton
(Reader)
Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. Try again.
{ "desktop_buybox_group_1":[{ "displayPrice": "$14.45", "priceAmount":14.45, "currencySymbol": "$", "integerValue": "14", "decimalSeparator": ".", "fractionalValue": "45", "symbolPosition": "left", "hasSpace":false, "showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true, "offerListingId": "ZyebNpTAKnqi9PORX%2BSNDHCNYlQDx4QVnUmCyMb9h2kO1a38Smg8YRAct3npj%2FY1klNxfHje0O7338yl1PvZktxtKVoExskDO%2BgtRCkECyMa%2Bm98eo6URPel4pFSmXaJjlG%2FDTkGrf7mgk2yn8i88Yy%2BQ8af6durc0ct9W4cbXMASI9ScJs83g%3D%3D", "locale": "en-US", "buyingOptionType": "NEW", "aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, { "displayPrice": "$3.96", "priceAmount":3.96, "currencySymbol": "$", "integerValue": "3", "decimalSeparator": ".", "fractionalValue": "96", "symbolPosition": "left", "hasSpace":false, "showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true, "offerListingId": "ZyebNpTAKnqi9PORX%2BSNDHCNYlQDx4QVgB1LNDgRokos571Uz0axFN1jiMw2KTjhJ%2BnYU88e4eZHfPFHq3bB5MB6sduB1Wy9pojZiQEGB43OV7q4cl5qI73d3bAiviAR062t9i34oYyMVjmLw4aRF3sEDwEIRzmxTJLPzsJFRJ95vrGX0s48PJSEN9TWtVJp", "locale": "en-US", "buyingOptionType": "USED", "aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}
Purchase options and add-ons
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.
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.
- Print length5 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level3 - 7
- Dimensions5.1 x 1.1 x 6 inches
- PublisherListening Library
- Publication dateMay 10, 2005
- ISBN-100307243176
- ISBN-13978-0307243171
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
html
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page1of1Start overPage 1 of 1
Editorial Reviews
Review
AN ALA TOP TEN BEST BOOK
AN ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
AN IRA YOUNG ADULT'S CHOICE
A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW BEST BOOK
NAMED TO MULTIPLE STATE AWARD LISTS
"This is a book that changes lives. It certainly changed mine." --Kate DiCamillo, two-time Newbery Medalist
"I identify with so much in Christopher Paul Curtis's engrossing classic,The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963."--David Barclay Moore, winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent
"An exceptional first novel." —Publishers Weekly,starred review
"Superb... a warmly memorable evocation of an African American family." —The Horn Book Magazine,starred review
"Ribald humor... and a totally believable child's view of the world will make this book an instant hit." —School Library Journal,starred review
AN ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
AN IRA YOUNG ADULT'S CHOICE
A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW BEST BOOK
NAMED TO MULTIPLE STATE AWARD LISTS
"This is a book that changes lives. It certainly changed mine." --Kate DiCamillo, two-time Newbery Medalist
"I identify with so much in Christopher Paul Curtis's engrossing classic,The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963."--David Barclay Moore, winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent
"An exceptional first novel." —Publishers Weekly,starred review
"Superb... a warmly memorable evocation of an African American family." —The Horn Book Magazine,starred review
"Ribald humor... and a totally believable child's view of the world will make this book an instant hit." —School Library Journal,starred review
From the Artist
Christopher Paul Curtis
Product details
- Publisher : Listening Library; Unabridged edition (May 10, 2005)
- Language : English
- Audio CD : 5 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0307243176
- ISBN-13 : 978-0307243171
- Reading age : 10 - 11 years, from customers
- Grade level : 3 - 7
- Dimensions : 5.1 x 1.1 x 6 inches
- Best Sellers Rank:#1,831,121 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Photo © 2003 James Keyser
author spotlight
"To me the highest accolade comes when a young reader tells me, 'I really liked your book.' The young seem to be able to say 'really' with a clarity, a faith, and an honesty that we as adults have long forgotten. That is why I write." --Christopher Paul Curtis
Christopher Paul Curtis made an outstanding debut in children's literature with The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963. His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in Flint, Michigan, Christopher Paul Curtis spent his first 13 years after high school on the assembly line of Flint's historic Fisher Body Plant # 1. His job entailed hanging car doors, and it left him with an aversion to getting into and out of large automobiles--particularly big Buicks.
With grandfathers like Earl "Lefty" Lewis, a Negro Baseball League pitcher, and 1930s bandleader Herman E. Curtis, Sr., of Herman Curtis and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression, it is easy to see why Christopher Paul Curtis was destined to become an entertainer.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 tells the story of 10-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan, and their unforgettable journey that leads them into one of the darkest moments in American history. It is by turns a hilarious, touching, and tragic story about civil rights and the impact of violence on one family.
Curtis's novel Bud, Not Buddy focuses on 10-year-old Bud Caldwell, who hits the road in search of his father and his home. Times may be hard in 1936 Flint, Michigan, but orphaned Bud's got a few things going for him; he believes his mother left a clue of who his father was--and nothing can stop Bud from trying to find him.
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
5,718 global ratings
How customer reviews and ratings work
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book amazing, highly readable, and engaging. They describe the story as entertaining, funny, and witty. Readers say the book teaches valuable lessons, is interesting, inspiring, and informative. They also appreciate the relatable, personable, and lively characters. Overall, customers describe the book as heartwarming and emotional.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
204 customers mention "Readability"204 positive0 negative
Customers find the book amazing and highly readable. They say it's a great book for summer reading. Readers also mention that the characters are very likeable and well-developed.
"...It’s an amazing bookthat you’ll never want to put down! "Read more
"Great Book for summer reading."Read more
"...But, nonetheless, it was areally good book,and I can't wait to watch the movie of it (which I don't think will be much like the book).... "Read more
"...Brilliant novel.Absolutely brilliantand I recommend it to all those who didn't already have to read it. "Read more
139 customers mention "Story quality"131 positive8 negative
Customers find the story entertaining, funny, and engaging. They say it does an amazing job of telling the story that many experienced during this period. Readers also describe the book as a brilliant novel, powerful piece of historical fiction, and well-written.
"...Personally I thought the novel was a eye-opening, heart-warming,page-turning book.... "Read more
"This book came new, it is agreat book for a younger age group.It is a classroom read for school. Very pleased with it. "Read more
"...Brilliant novel.Absolutely brilliant and I recommend it to all those who didn't already have to read it. "Read more
"...Otherwise the family is likable and thestory held our interest.... "Read more
91 customers mention "Humor"82 positive9 negative
Customers find the book witty, funny, and well-written. They say the plot is absorbing, with lots of funny lines. Readers also appreciate the author's great use of descriptive words.
"...The way thewhole book was laid out was brilliant,all of the characters played such an important part in the novel.... "Read more
"...The plot was absorbing, withlots of funny lines.... "Read more
"...The author hasgreat use in descriptive wordswhen describing the things Kenny experiences and how they affect him.... "Read more
"...The Watsons Go To Birmingham was great for us. Very,very funny at times.Our boys couldn't wait for us to read a chapter each night.... "Read more
80 customers mention "Educational value"80 positive0 negative
Customers find the book interesting, inspiring, and informative. They say it makes them think and is a great book to read with students while studying civil rights.
"...Personally I thought the novel was aeye-opening,heart-warming, page-turning book.... "Read more
"...It is aclassroom read for school.Very pleased with it. "Read more
"...I think it is excusable because thebook teaches SO many valuable lessonsnot only about black history but also about racism today.... "Read more
"This would make agreat book for teachers to readwith their class. Particularly 5th and 6th graders.... "Read more
26 customers mention "Character development"26 positive0 negative
Customers find the characters relatable, personable, and lively. They also like the personality of the parents. Readers mention the young narrator's voice feels authentic.
"...appealed to me, because they were all fully-fleshed,multi-dimensional characters.The plot was absorbing, with lots of funny lines.... "Read more
"...Theyoung narrator's voice feels so authenticand the evolution of the sibling dynamics very realistic.... "Read more
"...The Weird Watsons are endearing andwell developed characters."Read more
"...Ilike the personality of the parents.They are truly the parents (adults) in this family but handle their children and discipline with respect.... "Read more
18 customers mention "Heartwarming"18 positive0 negative
Customers find the book funny, sad, and emotional. They say it makes them laugh and cry.
"...Personally I thought the novel was a eye-opening,heart-warming,page-turning book.... "Read more
"...Not only is it a page turner but thebook it heartfelt.... "Read more
"...It's beautiful andheart breakingat the same time. A very talented writer! "Read more
"...The Watsons go to Birmingham has humorous,sad,and Oh-my-gosh-what-is-happening moments.... "Read more
13 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive0 negative
Customers find the pacing of the book realistic, vivid, and dramatic at times. They say it helps them understand the civil rights movement and how life was for African-Americans. Readers also appreciate the amazing detail and glimpse into bias and racism at the time.
"Iloved all the vivid scenesChristopher Paul Curtis gave us. I read this book because my 10-year-old granddaughter was reading it.... "Read more
"...It alsogives a glimpse into bias and racismat the time.... "Read more
"...really enjoying this book - he says it is witty and funny, but alsodramaticand makes you think.... "Read more
"...you just how scary it was during the Civil Rights Movement throughamazing detail.... "Read more
11 customers mention "Enjoyment"11 positive0 negative
Customers find the book delightful, rela xing, and a wonderful treat to listen to. They say it blends entertainment.
"Nice and easy read ---- actuallyrela xing to read.Is a story that anyone could write about their own family.... "Read more
"Well-written and engaging.Students enjoy reading it."Read more
"Awonderful novel to readany time of year. The story promotes the need to value all people. "Read more
"...It teaches a lesson as well as beingenjoyable."Read more
Reviews with images
5 out of 5 stars
Good Book!
The size of the book was good, also the color of the fount wasn’t super light nor super dark. There wasn’t any ripped pages, and overall it is a good book!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
Great Book for summer reading.
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
This book came new, it is a great book for a younger age group. It is a classroom read for school. Very pleased with it.
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2015
I met Christopher Paul Curtis in 1998 at the International Reading Association Convention. I bought a hardback of this book and got a picture of Curtis and me. I then had him sign my book. He was very nice, and I told him that I couldn't wait to read his book, because I had heard so many wonderful things about it. Fast forward 17 years, and I have just now gotten a chance to read it because I am teaching 6th grade. 😊 Overall, it was a really good book. I loved all the family stories and mischief the boys got into. Only thing I was disappointed in was that I had thought there was going to be more in it about what was going on in history during that time period, but there wasn't anything until the very end. There was so much great story telling in the first 3/4 of the book, and then the last fourth of the book seemed rushed and not fully "fleshed out". I was surprised to hear that my students felt the same way about this. But, nonetheless, it was a really good book, and I can't wait to watch the movie of it (which I don't think will be much like the book).
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
My 11 year old male cousin Love it because it has his last name Watson
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
This was an assigned book for school, and my daughter loved it.
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2011
This is the only other novel I have read by Curtis and I enjoyed it even more than Bud, Not Buddy. I did not have to read this one in school so I had to track it down myself. I remember listening to the audio version at age eleven or twelve and loving the Watsons and all of their random adventures. The first incident, the one where the elder brother gets his lips stuck to a car mirror in winter because he was kissing his reflection, is one of my favorite moments in fiction so far. The brothers throwing cookies at birds, or eating them until they are sick is easily remembered as well. Even the scenes about school back in the early 60s and the cruelty of kids to those less fortunate was brilliantly done. The last third of the book becomes much more serious with the church bombing, however, and only now that I'm a little older can I appreciate the genius in that. When I was young I didn't really understand the significance of that section of the book and the only thing I remember really enjoying was the "whirlpool" scene which gave me chills. Later, the way the author made everything in this book work and still made it something that anyone can enjoy floors me. Brilliant novel. Absolutely brilliant and I recommend it to all those who didn't already have to read it.
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2014
When I first chose this book to read, I only went by the brief description that told what the book was about. Little did I know that when I began to read the book, I would feel as if I, myself was living through the Watsons. They had normal family drama, sibling rivalry, behavioral issues (that now a days, we would put our child on medication for) There are high points in the book as well as low points. But the family pulls together to get through the tough times. Although the book takes place in the 1960's, it seems to encompass some modern day problems in our society. Discrimination is still eminent in our society today but I feel it has gotten a bit better since the time frame in which this story took place. Through Kenny's eyes we are able to uncover what his feelings and fears are towards every day life, his brother and the incidents in Birmingham, Alabama. It is how this family comes through that has drawn me deeper into this book. The audience that I would gear this towards would be grades 5 - 7 because I feel at this age, they are most impressionable and would really allow the Watsons into their learning environment and minds.
Top reviews from other countries
Parveen Sirohi
5.0 out of 5 stars
We loved it.!!!!
Reviewed in India on October 26, 2018
I read this book with my kid, what a amusing, engaging read it was... and what nuggets of wisdom strewn all over the book.. We are going to miss the Watson's for sure...
One person found this helpful
Report
Moon Star
5.0 out of 5 stars
So borrowed it from him and i think it a great read also
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 5, 2016
I bought this book for my son to read and he could not put it down. He read it twice. So borrowed it from him and i think it a great read also.
One person found this helpful
Report
NLM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
Reviewed in France on February 14, 2016
It is so hard to find a good book for young readers. My son is 12 and he does like stories about orphans or monsters. This is the story about a nice family that looks like many other nice families (the tough oldest son included). However, the scene takes place in 1963, and bad things were happening in Birmingham in 1963. The book is nonetheless full of humor. It is extremely well written, with lots of dialogues and situations that are very well captured. My son and I had a good laugh together even if at the climax we didn't want to laugh anymore. A must be read book! Excellent!
Dacia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2013
It is a good book. I wonder if the wool pooh was or is real. I feel sorry for Kenny.
Dame78
5.0 out of 5 stars
Très bien
Reviewed in France on July 31, 2018
Livre acheté par obligation pour les cours d'anglais, et finalement il s'est révélé une bonne surprise: beaucoup d'humour, de style, on ne tombe pas dans le pathos, la fin est émouvante. Recommandé à plusieurs personnes. Par contre il faut un assez bon niveau d'anglais pour comprendre certaines expressions qui reproduisent l'accent du Sud (pas du niveau collège, plutôt lycée).
