The Watson's Go To Birmingham - 1963

The Watson's Go To Birmingham - 1963
This book follows the life and times of an African American family's journey from Flint, MI to Birmingham, AL. After a tragic event they figure out how to cope with life's "curve-balls."

Friday, May 3, 2013

Chapters 11-15

Chapter 11:

1. Why is this chapter called “Bobo Brazil Meets the Sheik”?

Chapter 12:

1. Why is this chapter called, “That Dog Won’t Hunt No More”?
2. Besides the actually dog, what else is the title of the chapter referring to? Explain.

Chapter 13:

1. What does the dark figure that Kenny calls the Wool Pooh symbolize? Explain.

Chapter 14:

1. Why does the Wool Pooh show up in the church? What does it symbolize? Explain.

Chapter 15:
1. How does Byron change from the beginning of the book to the end?  Give text evidence.  
2.  Why do you think Kenny was really crying in the bathroom?

3. Explain Kenny’s conclusions about the Wool Pooh and magic powers.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Chapters 9 & 10


Chapter 9
1.  Besides not wanting to get hooked on country music, why do
you think Daddy decides to install the TT-700 in the Brown
Bomber?

2.  Why do you think Joetta wants to keep the angel from Mrs.
Davidson in a drawer?

3.  Why do you think Mrs. Watson is so careful with her planning
of the trip, such as where the family is going to stay?

Chapter 10

4.  How does Byron describe white people in the mountains?

5.  Why do you think Kenny feels scared when they’re driving through the mountain?

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Chapters 7 & 8


Chapter 7

1. Why do you think Byron keeps doing things that his parents
have forbidden?
2. When Byron misbehaves, who do you think handles the
situation better, Mr. or Mrs. Watson? Why?
3. In addition to thinking it is ugly, why does Mrs. Watson object
to Byron’s new hairdo, "the conk"?

Chapter 8:
1. Why do you think Kenny is so eager to have a real mustache
like his dad’s?
2. Why do the Watsons think sending Byron to Alabama will help
him to behave better? Do you think it will work?

Wednesday, April 10, 2013


Chapter 5 & 6

Chapter 5

1. If you were Mrs. Watson, how would you punish Byron when
he plays with fire?
2. Do you agree with Mrs. Watson’s way of punishing him? Why or why not?

Chapter 6

3. Why do you think Byron gets sick after he kills the mourning
dove?
4. Why does he get angry at Kenny so suddenly?
5. How does the author show that Byron is not as tough as he
pretends to be?

Friday, April 5, 2013

Chapters 3 & 4

Chapter 3

1. Why is Kenny hesitant to spend time with Rufus?


2. Why do you think Kenny is friends with LJ, even though LJ
isn’t a very good friend? 


3. Why does Kenny end up thinking that Rufus is a better friend
than LJ? (Give TEXT EVIDENCE)

Chapter 4


1. What kind of relationship does Kenny have with Joetta? Can
you give examples of things that happen between them that
make you think that?


2. How does the author make the reader sympathize with Larry
Dunn, even though he is a BULLY?

Monday, April 1, 2013

Chapter 1 & 2

Chapter 1

1.  What interesting language does the author use to describe

 how cold it is in Flint?  Give TWO EXAMPLES!

2.  How does Hambone Henderson try to discourage Wilona 

from marrying Mr. Watson? What do you think Mr. Watson 

thinks of Hambone? How can you tell?

3.  What kind of relationship does Kenny have with his 

brother,Byron? (Use TEXT EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT 

YOUR THINKING)


4.  Reread parts of Chapter 1 and find 3 new vocabulary 

words.  Look them up and explain how they are being used in 

the book. 



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