Filled with humor, The Watsons Go to Birmingham, will definitely tickle the funny bone of young readers.
"Kids," Dad said, "I almost wasn't your father. You guys came real close to having a clown for a daddy named Hambone Henderson."
In addition to the hilarious text, this novel also features an episode of human tragedy that occurred in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. Through young Kenny's innocent voice, readers are introduced to the Watsons in an up close and personal manner. Readers become acquainted with his stern but loving parents Wilona and Daniel, feisty grandma Sands, his rambunctious brother Byron, and Joetta, his little sister. Challenged by Byron's behavior, the parents decide to drive to Alabama and leave him with his grandmother for the summer---maybe the entire school year! Incidents such as Kenny's near drowning are overshadowed by a bombing of the church where Joetta attends Sunday School (16th Avenue Baptist Church). Overwhelmed by the bombing, the Watson children have to come to grips with the situation and comfort each other .
Curtis presents an extremely witty novel surrounding a fictionalized family. In addition, he provides a deeply moving account of a dark episode in American history. His description of the church bombing is filled with raw emotion, horror, and fear. Curtis uniquely and accurately communicates the grim realities of the events that transpired on that horrible day through Kenny's honest yet emotional dialogue.
Readers, young and old who appreciate challenging literature will cherish this funny novel which eloquently combines family life with history
