The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963

By: Christopher Paul Curtis

Narrated by: LeVar Burton

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.

A PARADE BEST KIDS BOOK OF ALL TIME

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

Critic reviews

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

Funny!

Keeps you laughing!

Good book

Excellent story telling by Mr. Burton. I appreciated that the events of September 1963, were told in a meaningful way. It reminds us that this could have happened to you and me. Above all, this book shows that family bonds can be strong especially in times when it is needed most.

Great music

The story was so impactful I started crying at the end.
The background music was fantastic and very appropriate for each part. I would love a soundtrack listing.

Awesome

B e s t b o o k I ‘ v e h e a r d t h i s y e a r.

Best book ever!!

This book is amazing I thought it might be a little boring but not at all this has got to be one of my favorite books.I really loved the reader his voice was not to slow but not fast his voice was very calming.I disliked nothing about about this book. I gave this 5 stars because it so fun and interesting to read. I totally recommend you reading this book because I promise you will love!