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The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963

By: Christopher Paul Curtis
Narrated by: LeVar Burton
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Publisher's summary

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree about an unforgettable family on a road-trip during one of the most important times in the civil rights movement.

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

©1995 Christopher Paul Curtis (P)1996 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group

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

What listeners say about The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963

Average customer ratings
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Loved It

Laugh and think and cried. shared with my 11 year old who did not like the cussing and gave it 4 stars for overall.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great piece of writing for kids and adults!!

What made the experience of listening to The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963 the most enjoyable?

My sixth grade class reads this book every year for atleast the last ten years. Each year is a different experience but all are always very positive.

What did you like best about this story?

Great story of family and struggles that were evident in america in the 1960's.

Which character – as performed by LeVar Burton – was your favorite?

The children say Kenny, as an adult I have to go with dad.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The kids are always interested to learn of the girls that passed away and heartbroken to find that our country was that way.

Any additional comments?

Great book for students and adults alike!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow

This is one of the best Books I ever read! I would say this is a children’s book that you can read with your family and you can reflect on it. Really nice performance. Read TODAY!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The Watsons

This book held my students' interest the entire time we listened to it. We thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story!!!

A great story. LeVar Burton did a phenomenal job. I hated that the story had to end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book

The class really enjoyed this book. It was great to have them really think about what happened and develop a connection to the Watson Family.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

💗This book rocks.💗

This book is better than any other book I have read,
I would recommend this book for ages 9-13! Teachers should read this book to there kids. 💖READ💖

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Reading

What did you love best about The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963?

I loved the animated voice of the reader and the music that accompanied the reading

Who was your favorite character and why?

Byron was my favorite character because of his good heart and ability to constantly get into trouble.

What about LeVar Burton’s performance did you like?

He read the book wonderfully; it was almost acted out.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Birmingham Church Bombing from a child's point of view

Any additional comments?

I would have appreciated chapter stops.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

I Loved the book so much that I REEEEEAAAAALLY WANT another new
book of The Watsons Go To Birmingham. Like The Watsons Go To Birmingham 2 or something else like that. So this is my favorite book of all time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Heartfelt

This story was well written and incredibly heartfelt— allows you to have a first hand experience in the Civil Rights Movement.

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