About This Book

Enter the world of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. When Momma and Dad decide it's time for a visit to Grandma, Dad comes home with the amazing Ultra-Glide, and the Watsons head South to Birmingham, Alabama...toward one of the darkest moments in America's history.

A hilarious, touching, and tragic novel about civil rights and the impact of violence on one African American family.

Praise for The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963

"Written in a full-throated, hearty voice, this is a perfectly described piece of past imperfect. Curtis's ability to switch from fun and funky to pinpoint-accurate psychological imagery works unusually well. Although the horrific Birmingham Sunday throws Kenny into temporary withdrawl, this story is really about the strength of family love and endurance. Ribald humor, sly sibling digs, and a totally believable child's view of the world will make this book an instant hit." — School Library Journal

1996 Newbery Honor Book
1996 Coretta Scott King Honor Book
An ALA Notable Book
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
The New York Times Book Review Best Book
A Horn Book Fanfare