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Christopher Paul Curtis

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963

Christopher Paul CurtisFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1995

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Book Brief

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Christopher Paul Curtis

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Birmingham, Alabama • 1960s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

920L

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Super Short Summary

Published in 1995, The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis is a realistic middle-grade novel told from the point of view of 10-year-old Kenneth Watson, detailing his family life in Flint, Michigan, school days, and sibling dynamics, culminating in a summer trip to Birmingham, Alabama, where they face unexpected hatred and violence. This book includes difficult themes such as racism and violence.

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Humorous

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

74,414 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Christopher Paul Curtis' The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 is a poignant mix of humor and history, capturing a family's journey through a turbulent period. Praised for its engaging characters and emotional depth, the novel is also noted for addressing serious themes in a way accessible to young readers. Some critics argue that its tone can feel inconsistent. Overall, it's a compelling read with educational value.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963?

Readers who would enjoy The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis are typically middle-grade to early young adult audiences who appreciate historical fiction with a blend of humor and poignant social commentary. Fans of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor and Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis will find it compelling.

4.3

74,414 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Birmingham, Alabama • 1960s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

920L

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