Katie Miller

Sept 3, 2014
Professor Burke
Engl 414

Low Stakes Writing Assignment

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

A main aspect of the book, The Watsons Go to Birmingham, that makes it so

appealing to children is that the main character, Kenny, is easily relatable to
children. Kenny has a lazy eye; he is gullible and good but not too good. These
characteristics allow children to bond with Kenny because they may be selfconscious about things or fall for tricks easily. Kenny is the middle child of the
Watson family and he experiences every day events that may happen to children.
For example, when Kenny and Byron have to walk to Mitchells to pick up milk, a
loaf of bread, and tomato paste for their mother (Curtis, 1996, p.75-78). Byron, the
oldest didnt want to get embarrassed when they had to say they were going to sign
for the food, so he inadvertently made Kenny do it. This is something that most of all
older brothers would do. They do not want to get embarrassed by something, so
they make the younger brother/middle child do it.
Kenny also gets picked on at school, which unfortunately is a common part of
growing up for children. He had a bully, Larry Dunn, who religiously picked on him
and Kenny also was called Poindexter (p.21). Children are able to empathize with
Kenny because they may understand what it is like to have someone call them
names. It is essential that the readers be able to connect with the characters. Since
the book is written from the point of view of Kenny, it helps the children reading be
able to fall into the story with the characters.

This book also sheds light on the Watsons family beautifully. They are there
for each other, even when they may not always get along, like when Byron gets his
lips stuck to the car mirror (p. 12-13). Kenny could take advantage of the situation,
but instead he is concerned for his brother and gets help. Children may have a
family similar to this or they may want a family like this. If they are experiencing
family issues, this could be an escape for them because the book allows them to see
the importance of family and connections the Watsons have. There are many ways
children can connect to the Watson family because of the family dynamics and
events. The Watsons Go to Birmingham is a great book and can appeal to a wide
range of children.

Works Cited
Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963: A Novel. New York:
Dell Laurel Leaf, 2000. Print.