Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)
The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963: 25th Anniversary Edition by Christopher Paul Curtis
Add The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963: 25th Anniversary Edition to bookshelf
Add to Bookshelf

Look Inside | Teacher’s Guide

The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis

By Christopher Paul Curtis
Read by LeVar Burton

By Christopher Paul Curtis
Read by LeVar Burton

Best Seller
Paperback $11.99

Nov 03, 2020 | ISBN 9780593306499 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Paperback $8.99

Aug 06, 2013 | ISBN 9780385382946 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Paperback $8.99

Sep 08, 1997 | ISBN 9780440414124 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Mass Market Paperback $8.99

Dec 12, 2000 | ISBN 9780440228004 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Hardcover $17.99

Sep 01, 1995 | ISBN 9780385321754 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Ebook $8.99

Nov 13, 2001 | ISBN 9780385729857 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Audiobook Download $15.00

Jul 05, 2000 | 295 Minutes | Middle Grade (8-12)

All Formats
+
    The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963: 25th Anniversary Edition by Christopher Paul Curtis
    Paperback $8.99
    Sep 08, 1997 | ISBN 9780440414124

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    See All Formats (6) +
    • $11.99

      Nov 03, 2020 | ISBN 9780593306499 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    • $8.99

      Aug 06, 2013 | ISBN 9780385382946 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    • $8.99

      Sep 08, 1997 | ISBN 9780440414124 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    • $8.99

      Dec 12, 2000 | ISBN 9780440228004 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    • $17.99

      Sep 01, 1995 | ISBN 9780385321754 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    • Nov 13, 2001 | ISBN 9780385729857 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    • Jul 05, 2000 | ISBN 9780553750577 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      295 Minutes

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy the Audiobook Download:

    About The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

    During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. This special edition makes a perfect gift and includes bonus content.

    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
     
    Bonus Content
    • New foreword and afterword from the author
    • Map of the Watsons’ journey
    • Original manuscript pages and letter from the Newbery committee
    • Personal essays celebrating the book’s legacy by award-winning authors Jacqueline Woodson,
    Varian Johnson, and Kate DiCamillo

    About The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

    During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    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

    About The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

    During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    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
     
    Bonus Content
    • New foreword and afterword from the author
    • Map of the Watsons’ journey
    • Original manuscript pages and letter from the Newbery committee
    • Personal essays celebrating the book’s legacy by award-winning authors: Elizabeth Acevedo, Chris Crutcher, Kate DiCamillo, Varian Johnson, David Barclay Moore, Jason Reynolds, Jerry Spinelli, Vince Vawter, Rita Williams-Garcia, and Jacqueline Woodson

    About The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

    During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    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

    Bonus Content
    • New foreword and afterword from the author
    • Map of the Watsons’ journey
    • Original manuscript pages and letter from the Newbery committee
    • Personal essays celebrating the book’s legacy by award-winning authors: Elizabeth Acevedo, Chris Crutcher, Kate DiCamillo, Varian Johnson, David Barclay Moore, Jason Reynolds, Jerry Spinelli, Vince Vawter, Rita Williams-Garcia, and Jacqueline Woodson

    About The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

    During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    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

    About The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

    During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    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

    About The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

    During one of the most important times in the civil rights movement, one unforgettable family goes on a road trip in this Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree, from author Christopher Paul Curtis, recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    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

    Read An Excerpt

    Teacher’s Guide

    Read An Excerpt

    Teacher’s Guide

    Read An Excerpt

    Teacher’s Guide

    Read An Excerpt

    Teacher’s Guide

    Teacher’s Guide

    Teacher’s Guide

    Read An Excerpt

    Teacher’s Guide

    Listen to a sample from The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963: 25th Anniversary Edition

    About Christopher Paul Curtis

    Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for his bestselling second novel, Bud, Not Buddy. His first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963, was also singled out for many awards, and has been a… More about Christopher Paul Curtis

    About Christopher Paul Curtis

    Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for his bestselling second novel, Bud, Not Buddy. His first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963, was also singled out for many awards, and has been a… More about Christopher Paul Curtis

    About Christopher Paul Curtis

    Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for his bestselling second novel, Bud, Not Buddy. His first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963, was also singled out for many awards, and has been a… More about Christopher Paul Curtis

    About Christopher Paul Curtis

    Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for his bestselling second novel, Bud, Not Buddy. His first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963, was also singled out for many awards, and has been a… More about Christopher Paul Curtis

    About Christopher Paul Curtis

    Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for his bestselling second novel, Bud, Not Buddy. His first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963, was also singled out for many awards, and has been a… More about Christopher Paul Curtis

    About Christopher Paul Curtis

    Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for his bestselling second novel, Bud, Not Buddy. His first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963, was also singled out for many awards, and has been a… More about Christopher Paul Curtis

    About Christopher Paul Curtis

    Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for his bestselling second novel, Bud, Not Buddy. His first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963, was also singled out for many awards, and has been a… More about Christopher Paul Curtis

    Product Details

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Historical Fiction

    Paperback | $11.99
    Published by Yearling
    Nov 03, 2020 | 256 Pages | 5 x 7 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780593306499

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Historical Fiction

    Paperback | $8.99
    Published by Yearling
    Aug 06, 2013 | 224 Pages | 5-3/16 x 7-5/8 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780385382946

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Historical Fiction

    Paperback | $8.99
    Published by Yearling
    Sep 08, 1997 | 272 Pages | 5-3/16 x 7-5/8 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780440414124

    Category: Teen & Young Adult | Children’s Middle Grade Historical Fiction

    Mass Market Paperback | $8.99
    Published by Laurel Leaf
    Dec 12, 2000 | 272 Pages | 4-3/16 x 6-7/8 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780440228004

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Historical Fiction

    Hardcover | $17.99
    Published by Delacorte Press
    Sep 01, 1995 | 224 Pages | 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780385321754

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Historical Fiction

    Ebook | $8.99
    Published by Delacorte Press
    Nov 13, 2001 | 224 Pages | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780385729857

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Historical Fiction | Audiobooks

    Audiobook Download | $15.00
    Published by Listening Library
    Jul 05, 2000 | 295 Minutes | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780553750577

    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    Praise

    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

    “Superb . . . a warmly memorable evocation of an African American family.” —The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

    “Ribald humor . . . and a totally believable child’s view of the world will make this book an instant hit.”—School Library Journal, starred review

    Awards

    ALA Best Books for Young Adults WINNER 1996

    ALA Notable Children’s Book WINNER 1996

    Arkansas Charlie May Simon Master List WINNER 1997

    California Young Reader Medal WINNER 1998

    Coretta Scott King Author Honor WINNER 1996

    Golden Kite Award for Fiction WINNER 1995

    Josette Frank Award WINNER 1995

    Josette Frank Award for Fiction WINNER 1995

    Maine Student Book Master List WINNER 1996

    Massachusetts Children’s Book Master List WINNER 1999

    New Mexico Land of Enchantment Book Award WINNER 2000

    Newbery Honor Book WINNER 1996

    Newbery Medal Winner WINNER 1996

    Texas Lone Star Reading List WINNER 1997

    TimeOutNewYorkKids.com 50 Best Books for Kids WINNER 2012

    Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award NOMINEE 1998

    Author Q&A

    Born in Flint, Michigan, Christopher Paul Curtis spent his first 13 years after high school on the assembly line of Flint’s historic Fisher Body Plant #1. His job entailed hanging doors, and it left him with an aversion to getting into and out of large automobiles-particularly big Buicks.

    Curtis’s writing-and his dedication to it-has been greatly influenced by his family. With grandfathers like Earl “Lefty” Lewis, a Negro Baseball League pitcher, and 1930s bandleader Herman E. Curtis, Sr., of “Herman Curtis and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression,” it is easy to see why Christopher Paul Curtis was destined to become an entertainer.

    In Bud, Not Buddy, Curtis tells the story of 10-year-old Bud Caldwell, who hits the road in search of his father and his home. Times may be hard in 1936 Flint, Michigan, but orphaned Bud’s got a few things going for him; he believes his mother left a clue of who his father was-and nothing can stop Bud from trying to find him.

    Curtis’ debut novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963, received both a Newbery Honor and a Coretta Scott King Honor in 1996. It tells the story of 10-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan, and their unforgettable journey that leads them into one of the darkest moments in American history. It is by turns a hilarious, touching, and tragic story about civil rights and the impact of violence on one family.

    fun facts

    Born
    May 10, in Flint, Michigan

    Inspiration for writing
    I believe that young people are often blessed with the best ears for detecting what rings true or what feels right in a particular piece of writing. To me the highest accolade comes when a young reader tells me, “I really liked your book.” The young seem to be able to say “really” with a clarity, a faith, and an honesty that we adults have long forgotten. That is why I write.

    Previous jobs
    Factory worker, campaign worker, maintenance man, customer service representative, warehouse clerk, purchasing clerk

    Favorite hobbies
    Playing basketball, collecting old record albums, writing

    Favorite foods
    Mexican, Indian, West Indian

    Favorite books
    Anything by Toni Morrison, Kurt Vonnegut, and Zora Neale Hurston

    Looking for More Great Reads?
    21 Books You’ve Been Meaning to Read

    Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

    Raise kids who love to read

    Brightly

    Raise kids who love to read

    Today's Top Books

    Today's Top Books

    Want to know what people are actually reading right now?

         An online magazine for today’s home cook

    TASTE

    An online magazine for today’s home cook