The above video was posted by a teacher who wanted her class to familiarize themselves with the cultural climate in 1963 prior to their reading the book, "The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963." Try to imagine what it would have been like for you during that time.
After watching the video, let's blog about what you discovered in Chapters 1-3 of the novel (i.e., describe a conflict going on, state which character you relate to the most and explain why, etc.).
I didn't know much about this book when I first got it and was quite surprised at its contents when I began to read the book. The cover of the book does not help you with the story of the book at first. As you read I began to understand the cover of the book more. As the book began, I was trying to determine what was the status of the family since they all had to huddle on the sofa to stay warm. Were they poor, why was it so cold, why wasn't the heater working in the house? All these questions ran through my mind. Then the author brings in a little humor, Byron gets stuck on the mirror...classic! I found myself laughing out loud. Then we learn about the children of the Watson family. Each child has their own personality and issues. Kenny...lazy eye, Byron... Trouble maker and Joetta the baby of the family. Joetta may be the one that doesn't have much wrong with her. The book makes you feel sorry for Kenny in the beginning because of the fact that someone is always bullying him. I began to care about Kenny and how he felt. Karen Lawless
Let me just start by saying, I love this book. It is hard for me to find time to read, but I took this book everywhere I went to finish it! In the first few chapters, we meet and get to know the Weird Watsons. I thought this was so funny that they called themselves that. The family is very close and you can tell that these parents adore their children. Apparently, their father finds humor in all situations even when they are freezing because of a faulty furnace. Each child has a unique relationship with the others in the family. Byron is the oldest and has a chip on his shoulder which he throws at others from time to time. Kenny, or Poindexter, was the middle child and had a wild eye that caused him to be made fun of. Joetta, Joey, was the baby and the worrier of the group. The family resides in Flint where the weather is frigid. At one point, Byron gets stuck to the mirror of the Brown Bomber because he is admiring himself in the mirror. The whole family tries to figure out a way to "tear" him off the mirror of the Brown Bomber without tearing his tongue out of his head. Byron is frantically begging for help while Momma scrambles to figure out what to do. His father just chuckles and says in all his years he has never seen anyone get stuck to a mirror. Father and Mother disagree on the severity of the situation. Momma finally comes to the realization that she must just pull him off and deal with the consequences after. I have to admit, I laughed at Byron myself and felt he deserved what he got. As the book progresses, you learn more and more about Byron's bully side, Kenny's generous and loving side, and Joetta's worrisome side. Great book!
I have to agree with the posters in the blog. I was a bit unenthusiastic about reading this book due to the contents on the cover. After reading the first chapter and being very entertained my view on the book has changed drastically. I sat there laughing so hard when Byron got his lips stuck to the mirror, all I could think of was it sounded like my family. I would be the one worrying while my husband would be rolling on the ground killing himself laughing if this happened to one of our kids. In the first part of the book them being cold makes it sound like they are extremely poor, but as the book goes on you come to realize that they are more of a middle class family. This shows more when Rufus comes into the picture and Kenny has all these dinosaur toys and clothes and Rufus and Cody do not have proper food and clothes. Kenny's mom starts packing him enough lunch for all of them. This family could be like my own, my husband is the jokester, I am the quiet one like the mother, and I have two boys who pick on each other and fight just as Kenny and Byron do. The only thing I am missing is the little girl Joey. I wish I could have continued on reading, but I would forget everything for the next blog. Hopefully the book continues on the course it is on and brings me enjoyment and much laughter.
Like others, when I saw the cover of this book I was not thrilled about reading it. I don’t think it is one that I would have picked up to read on my own. I guess I should remember the all important lesson that I learned in elementary school—“Don’t judge a book by its cover!” When I started it, I laughed and couldn’t put it down. I found myself disappointed when I got to the end of the third chapter.
I really like the Weird Watson family! They are a close knit family who obviously love and care for each other. I love the father! I love that he finds humor in all situations! He reminds me of my dad.
I found myself somewhat relating to Kenny. There were times growing up that I was picked so I felt that I could sympathize with him. I was never picked on to the extent that he is, but I know the inner pain that goes along with being picked on. So far, the conflict that I have read is that Kenny is being picked on at school. He finally feels “rescued” when a new kid moves to his school. The attention is moved away from him and to the new kid. He and Rufus become friends and begin to spend time together playing. Rufus becomes the target. As Rufus is being picked on by a fellow student, Kenny laughs and hurts Rufus’s feelings. He ignores and avoids Kenny. Kenny realizes what he has done and begins to feel embarrassed for what he did.
It was interesting to read everyone's posts. I liked the book, couldn't put it down, and read the whole book immediately--which means I will probably need to re-read so I can remember. : ) Although the book is a fun book, it takes place in serious times. I liked the family dynamics and found the characters to be much like many families. Kenny has his share of brotherly conflicts with Byron, and with his friend, Rufus. I think that I relate the most to Kenny's mother...guess that is because I am one. I remember how my two boys acted toward each other, and how hard it can be to be a parent.
I love the book! I am trying to pace myself so I dont get confused when discussing individual chapters, but I am really into it. I had a feeling I would enjoy it when I saw it was the same author as Bud, Not Buddy.
I think I relate a lot to Kenny because he is an askward kid. I never had any brothers or sisters, but I remember being around his age and not having a lot of friends. He deals with a lot of teasing at his school and also at home from his brother.
When the new kid comes Kenny is happy because he is even less socially acceptable and therefore will get picked on, taking the focus off of Kenny. I remember being in school and thinking in a similar fashion.
When I first checked out this book from the library, I was surprised to see it in the childrens section. I thought it was a big book for little kids and I figured I would'nt like it. When I got home to read it, though, I could not put it down. I became so engaged in all of Kenny's "drama." Kenny and his brother, By, reminded me of my relationship with my older sisters. While we constantly fought growing up, we always had each others back when we were in trouble. I really cant wait to finish this book, and see all that unfolds with the "weird Watsons."
I have really enjoyed reading your comments about the first three chapters of our novel. One thing I appreciate about this author's writing is the way he has created a fictional story but centered it around real-life events going on during the period the story is written. I look forward to blogging with you more on future chapters.
At first I wasn't thrilled to read "The Watson's Go To Birmingham." However, after I started, I found it hard to put it down. The first three chapters are hilarious. They are well written with a since of easy language and slang use that made it seem like I was listening to someone tell me the story instead of reading it. I enjoy listening to the crazy actions of By and the slightly naive actions of Kenneth. The fire story really drew me in; Joey's wild reactions and the mom's calmness with Joey and the anger with By made a great chapter.
In chapters one through three of the novel we meet Kenney, a bright young man with a passion for reading, and his family. Kenney's mother is from the southern states and his family life seems wholesome and very loving. Kenney is a boy who learns early in life just how cruel people can be to one another. Having grown up in a family of good humor, Kenney is familiar with his father's 'cuttin up' and his brother's constant tricks. What Kenney learns at school however is a much different form of teasing. When older kids such as Larry, give smaller, weaker kids a hard time. Kenney admits to gettin off easy because of his older brother's social status but he is still one of the choice victims of bullying at clark because of his lazy eye and high academic standing. When a new kid, Rufus, arrives, Kenney surprisingly makes close friends with Rufu. They are able to find some common ground. Rufus faces just as much, actually more, torture from people like Larry because he is dressed poorly and has an insanely thick sountern accent. Kenney sympathizes with Rufus and little by little finds new understanding with the social order of things and how human beings can be so mean to one another.
Being assigned to read a book is never fun because the books are never interesting, but that was not the case for this book. This book had a good mix entertainment and emotional feelings. Being introduced to the family was something that was entertaining and emotional. Getting a mental picture of them huddeled together on the couch to keep warm was heart breaking, but our heart breaking emotion was quickly turned to laughter when Byron got his lips stuck to the car mirror. Byron and Kenny's brotherly relationship is like many brotherly relationships. Byron picks on Kenny because that is his little brother, but when other people start picking on Kenny, it's not okay. This shows Kenny that Byron cares, he just has a funny way of showing it.
When I first got the book I was trying to apply this to the class. Now I have an understanding of how the two relate. Because I can remember some of the situations from the video I think some need to see how things were back in the 60's. The children in the story are all different, Byron is a typical big brother wanting to be the boss, Kenny is a very humble child and Joey is a sweet little girl wanting to defend her brothers. When Byron was stuck to the car I thought that showed alot of humor. I am enjoying the book!
In chapters 1-3 the Watson's have some similarities to my family. They are an African American family and they have 3 children. Kenny seems to be picked on by everyone, including his big brother Byron, for everything. He has a lazy eye, is smart, and seems to be a constant target for bullies. Byron is a pain in the you know what...LoL! I think he has some underlying issues that need to be addressed because he doesn't seem to have any remorse for any of the things he does to others. Joeta, why they call her Joey..idk...I do not like that...but anyway seems to be very quiet and reserved. The mom is like any other mom, concerned about the well being of her childeren. The dad is a hard working man that wants to provide for his family. He reminded me a lot of my dad when he began to tell the story of how he stole the children's mother from some lump head guy. My dad has told a similar story often in my lifetime. LoL! The conflict going on is Kenny is a victim at school and at home. His older brother seems to not set a good example at all. Kenny longs for a friend...whom he refers to as a "savior". Will his prayer be answered? I can relate to the mother because my motherly instincts kicked in too when Byron stuck his tongue to the mirror. On the other hand, I kind of felt like Byron deserved to have his tongue stuck to the mirror! My parents always tell us "bought sense is better than some given to you"...you would have thought Byron would have learned his lesson about trying to get out of contributing or doing what he had been asked to do...but..... I also became worried when their heat wasn't working. I was agreeing with the mother's comments about the weather in Michigan and the heat not working! LoL! I really empatize and sympathize with Kenny. Poor Kenny! Hopefully it will get better for him.
When I first read the info telling what the book was about, I was like oh no, another story about the Jim Crow South like I have heard them all before. As I begin to read through the first 3 chapters, I begin to take interest in it because I should have figured out that coming from a young child's point of view would give the story a whole different vibe I usually read about. I can somewhat relate to the Watson family. This family cares about everyone's well-being and are very close knit. Opening up the book telling how the family tried to keep warm under a blanket showed this family's closeness. I can relate to Kenny from when I was younger. I constantly got tortured by my older sister from her playing pranks to getting me in trouble. I was a constant target at school of getting picked on at school because I was tall, lanky, talked very slow, and as others say, I had the voice of a "preppy white girl". My situation wasn't as bad as Kenny's but I can share some of the emotions he was feeling. What really excites me is that these children do not know the exact situation of the South and i am looking forward to reading more of the book to see their opinions of the Jim Crow South.
This book would have not been a book I would have choosen to read, but I am so glad i did. Once I started I could not put it down. The book came with me wherever I went. I love the Weird Watson family. This family is a very close family who can find the humor in just about anything. The relationship between the family members reminded me of the stories my husband would tell me about his childhood with his siblings. His relationship with his older brother was similiar to Kenny and Byron. They share brotherly conflicts, and with his best friend. I personally can relate to Kenny's mom because I am the mother of four daughters and it is not always easy.
The above video was posted by a teacher who wanted her class to familiarize themselves with the cultural climate in 1963 prior to their reading the book, "The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963." Try to imagine what it would have been like for you during that time.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video, let's blog about what you discovered in Chapters 1-3 of the novel (i.e., describe a conflict going on, state which character you relate to the most and explain why, etc.).
I didn't know much about this book when I first got it and was quite surprised at its contents when I began to read the book. The cover of the book does not help you with the story of the book at first. As you read I began to understand the cover of the book more. As the book began, I was trying to determine what was the status of the family since they all had to huddle on the sofa to stay warm. Were they poor, why was it so cold, why wasn't the heater working in the house? All these questions ran through my mind. Then the author brings in a little humor, Byron gets stuck on the mirror...classic! I found myself laughing out loud. Then we learn about the children of the Watson family. Each child has their own personality and issues. Kenny...lazy eye, Byron... Trouble maker and Joetta the baby of the family. Joetta may be the one that doesn't have much wrong with her. The book makes you feel sorry for Kenny in the beginning because of the fact that someone is always bullying him. I began to care about Kenny and how he felt.
ReplyDeleteKaren Lawless
Let me just start by saying, I love this book. It is hard for me to find time to read, but I took this book everywhere I went to finish it! In the first few chapters, we meet and get to know the Weird Watsons. I thought this was so funny that they called themselves that. The family is very close and you can tell that these parents adore their children. Apparently, their father finds humor in all situations even when they are freezing because of a faulty furnace. Each child has a unique relationship with the others in the family. Byron is the oldest and has a chip on his shoulder which he throws at others from time to time. Kenny, or Poindexter, was the middle child and had a wild eye that caused him to be made fun of. Joetta, Joey, was the baby and the worrier of the group. The family resides in Flint where the weather is frigid. At one point, Byron gets stuck to the mirror of the Brown Bomber because he is admiring himself in the mirror. The whole family tries to figure out a way to "tear" him off the mirror of the Brown Bomber without tearing his tongue out of his head. Byron is frantically begging for help while Momma scrambles to figure out what to do. His father just chuckles and says in all his years he has never seen anyone get stuck to a mirror. Father and Mother disagree on the severity of the situation. Momma finally comes to the realization that she must just pull him off and deal with the consequences after. I have to admit, I laughed at Byron myself and felt he deserved what he got.
ReplyDeleteAs the book progresses, you learn more and more about Byron's bully side, Kenny's generous and loving side, and Joetta's worrisome side.
Great book!
I have to agree with the posters in the blog. I was a bit unenthusiastic about reading this book due to the contents on the cover. After reading the first chapter and being very entertained my view on the book has changed drastically. I sat there laughing so hard when Byron got his lips stuck to the mirror, all I could think of was it sounded like my family. I would be the one worrying while my husband would be rolling on the ground killing himself laughing if this happened to one of our kids. In the first part of the book them being cold makes it sound like they are extremely poor, but as the book goes on you come to realize that they are more of a middle class family. This shows more when Rufus comes into the picture and Kenny has all these dinosaur toys and clothes and Rufus and Cody do not have proper food and clothes. Kenny's mom starts packing him enough lunch for all of them.
ReplyDeleteThis family could be like my own, my husband is the jokester, I am the quiet one like the mother, and I have two boys who pick on each other and fight just as Kenny and Byron do. The only thing I am missing is the little girl Joey. I wish I could have continued on reading, but I would forget everything for the next blog. Hopefully the book continues on the course it is on and brings me enjoyment and much laughter.
Like others, when I saw the cover of this book I was not thrilled about reading it. I don’t think it is one that I would have picked up to read on my own. I guess I should remember the all important lesson that I learned in elementary school—“Don’t judge a book by its cover!” When I started it, I laughed and couldn’t put it down. I found myself disappointed when I got to the end of the third chapter.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Weird Watson family! They are a close knit family who obviously love and care for each other. I love the father! I love that he finds humor in all situations! He reminds me of my dad.
I found myself somewhat relating to Kenny. There were times growing up that I was picked so I felt that I could sympathize with him. I was never picked on to the extent that he is, but I know the inner pain that goes along with being picked on. So far, the conflict that I have read is that Kenny is being picked on at school. He finally feels “rescued” when a new kid moves to his school. The attention is moved away from him and to the new kid. He and Rufus become friends and begin to spend time together playing. Rufus becomes the target. As Rufus is being picked on by a fellow student, Kenny laughs and hurts Rufus’s feelings. He ignores and avoids Kenny. Kenny realizes what he has done and begins to feel embarrassed for what he did.
Sara Chreene
It was interesting to read everyone's posts. I liked the book, couldn't put it down, and read the whole book immediately--which means I will probably need to re-read so I can remember. : ) Although the book is a fun book, it takes place in serious times. I liked the family dynamics and found the characters to be much like many families. Kenny has his share of brotherly conflicts with Byron, and with his friend, Rufus. I think that I relate the most to Kenny's mother...guess that is because I am one. I remember how my two boys acted toward each other, and how hard it can be to be a parent.
ReplyDeleteI love the book! I am trying to pace myself so I dont get confused when discussing individual chapters, but I am really into it. I had a feeling I would enjoy it when I saw it was the same author as Bud, Not Buddy.
ReplyDeleteI think I relate a lot to Kenny because he is an askward kid. I never had any brothers or sisters, but I remember being around his age and not having a lot of friends. He deals with a lot of teasing at his school and also at home from his brother.
When the new kid comes Kenny is happy because he is even less socially acceptable and therefore will get picked on, taking the focus off of Kenny. I remember being in school and thinking in a similar fashion.
When I first checked out this book from the library, I was surprised to see it in the childrens section. I thought it was a big book for little kids and I figured I would'nt like it. When I got home to read it, though, I could not put it down. I became so engaged in all of Kenny's "drama." Kenny and his brother, By, reminded me of my relationship with my older sisters. While we constantly fought growing up, we always had each others back when we were in trouble. I really cant wait to finish this book, and see all that unfolds with the "weird Watsons."
ReplyDeleteHannah McDonald
I have really enjoyed reading your comments about the first three chapters of our novel. One thing I appreciate about this author's writing is the way he has created a fictional story but centered it around real-life events going on during the period the story is written. I look forward to blogging with you more on future chapters.
ReplyDeleteAt first I wasn't thrilled to read "The Watson's Go To Birmingham." However, after I started, I found it hard to put it down. The first three chapters are hilarious. They are well written with a since of easy language and slang use that made it seem like I was listening to someone tell me the story instead of reading it. I enjoy listening to the crazy actions of By and the slightly naive actions of Kenneth. The fire story really drew me in; Joey's wild reactions and the mom's calmness with Joey and the anger with By made a great chapter.
ReplyDeleteIn chapters one through three of the novel we meet Kenney, a bright young man with a passion for reading, and his family. Kenney's mother is from the southern states and his family life seems wholesome and very loving. Kenney is a boy who learns early in life just how cruel people can be to one another. Having grown up in a family of good humor, Kenney is familiar with his father's 'cuttin up' and his brother's constant tricks. What Kenney learns at school however is a much different form of teasing. When older kids such as Larry, give smaller, weaker kids a hard time. Kenney admits to gettin off easy because of his older brother's social status but he is still one of the choice victims of bullying at clark because of his lazy eye and high academic standing. When a new kid, Rufus, arrives, Kenney surprisingly makes close friends with Rufu. They are able to find some common ground. Rufus faces just as much, actually more, torture from people like Larry because he is dressed poorly and has an insanely thick sountern accent. Kenney sympathizes with Rufus and little by little finds new understanding with the social order of things and how human beings can be so mean to one another.
ReplyDeleteBeing assigned to read a book is never fun because the books are never interesting, but that was not the case for this book. This book had a good mix entertainment and emotional feelings. Being introduced to the family was something that was entertaining and emotional. Getting a mental picture of them huddeled together on the couch to keep warm was heart breaking, but our heart breaking emotion was quickly turned to laughter when Byron got his lips stuck to the car mirror. Byron and Kenny's brotherly relationship is like many brotherly relationships. Byron picks on Kenny because that is his little brother, but when other people start picking on Kenny, it's not okay. This shows Kenny that Byron cares, he just has a funny way of showing it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first got the book I was trying to apply this to the class. Now I have an understanding of how the two relate. Because I can remember some of the situations from the video I think some need to see how things were back in the 60's. The children in the story are all different, Byron is a typical big brother wanting to be the boss, Kenny is a very humble child and Joey is a sweet little girl wanting to defend her brothers. When Byron was stuck to the car I thought that showed alot of humor. I am enjoying the book!
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 1-3 the Watson's have some similarities to my family. They are an African American family and they have 3 children. Kenny seems to be picked on by everyone, including his big brother Byron, for everything. He has a lazy eye, is smart, and seems to be a constant target for bullies. Byron is a pain in the you know what...LoL! I think he has some underlying issues that need to be addressed because he doesn't seem to have any remorse for any of the things he does to others. Joeta, why they call her Joey..idk...I do not like that...but anyway seems to be very quiet and reserved. The mom is like any other mom, concerned about the well being of her childeren. The dad is a hard working man that wants to provide for his family. He reminded me a lot of my dad when he began to tell the story of how he stole the children's mother from some lump head guy. My dad has told a similar story often in my lifetime. LoL! The conflict going on is Kenny is a victim at school and at home. His older brother seems to not set a good example at all. Kenny longs for a friend...whom he refers to as a "savior". Will his prayer be answered? I can relate to the mother because my motherly instincts kicked in too when Byron stuck his tongue to the mirror. On the other hand, I kind of felt like Byron deserved to have his tongue stuck to the mirror! My parents always tell us "bought sense is better than some given to you"...you would have thought Byron would have learned his lesson about trying to get out of contributing or doing what he had been asked to do...but..... I also became worried when their heat wasn't working. I was agreeing with the mother's comments about the weather in Michigan and the heat not working! LoL! I really empatize and sympathize with Kenny. Poor Kenny! Hopefully it will get better for him.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read the info telling what the book was about, I was like oh no, another story about the Jim Crow South like I have heard them all before. As I begin to read through the first 3 chapters, I begin to take interest in it because I should have figured out that coming from a young child's point of view would give the story a whole different vibe I usually read about. I can somewhat relate to the Watson family. This family cares about everyone's well-being and are very close knit. Opening up the book telling how the family tried to keep warm under a blanket showed this family's closeness. I can relate to Kenny from when I was younger. I constantly got tortured by my older sister from her playing pranks to getting me in trouble. I was a constant target at school of getting picked on at school because I was tall, lanky, talked very slow, and as others say, I had the voice of a "preppy white girl". My situation wasn't as bad as Kenny's but I can share some of the emotions he was feeling. What really excites me is that these children do not know the exact situation of the South and i am looking forward to reading more of the book to see their opinions of the Jim Crow South.
ReplyDeleteThis book would have not been a book I would have choosen to read, but I am so glad i did. Once I started I could not put it down. The book came with me wherever I went.
ReplyDeleteI love the Weird Watson family. This family is a very close family who can find the humor in just about anything. The relationship between the family members reminded me of the stories my husband would tell me about his childhood with his siblings. His relationship with his older brother was similiar to Kenny and Byron. They share brotherly conflicts, and with his best friend. I personally can relate to Kenny's mom because I am the mother of four daughters and it is not always easy.