Question

What impact did the novel Watson’s go to Birmingham have on you as a reader? Would you recommend this novel to a friend? Support your response with at least two pieces of evidence from the novel.

Answer 1

The novel "The Watson's Go To Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis had a great impact on me as a reader. Its realism gave me a historical view of the United States in the 1960's, and I was able to relate to many of its themes. One theme that stood out to me was the protagonist's experience with being bullied. Despite being bullied, the author shows that Kenny is not perfect and is actually relieved to see Rufus, the new kid, becoming the target,"...I knew they weren't going to waste any time with this new guy, it was going to be real easy and real quick with him." I enjoyed how realistic this book was.

It becomes so real that it shows racism in America, much of it still applies today. The Watson's care very much for where their children are raised, they resort to staying with Grandma Sands when they fail to discipline Byron. We see why Mr. Watson opt to raise his children in Michigan when he makes a comment about Birmingham, "... they're a laugh a minute down there. Let's see, where was that 'Coloreds Only' bathroom downtown?"

I became captivated through Kenny's entire experience with school, family, friendship, and so much more. I would highly recommend this novel to a friend that enjoys a good historical-fiction story.

Answer 2

The most important theme in the novel Watson's go to Birminham is the family unit and the fiendship.They're a family first, and they tackle the world as unit. They love each other, hate each other, irritate each other, and try to understand each other. When the conflict in The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 finally reaches critical mass (i.e., Byron's trouble-making has gone too far), the Watsons turn to their extended family for help. While at times it might seem like the Watsons don't get along at all, underneath all the bickering and bullying and tattling, the love this family has for each other saves more than one of them in the end. I do recommend this novel to a friend.

Quote about friendship:

This guy was real desperate for a friend because even though I wouldn't say much back to him he kept jabbering away at me all through class.