Hello parents,

This Unit in Hielen’s Hideout we will be tackling the diverse topics covered in the novel The Watsons Go To
Birmingham. Your students will join the Watsons as they jump in “the brown bomber” and head to Birmingham, Alabama
to see Grandma. Students will explore relationships between the characters as well as the time period the story is set in, the
1960’s. Amid the racism, prejudice, and discrimination of the time students will learn to see the family through the eyes of one
another and see beyond the racial barriers that so often cloud the eyes and hearts of those in our countries past and present.
We hope this deep dive into a story with historical ties will not only aide your students in understanding how our country has
developed through history but continue to reinforce our current ELA standards and TEKS, such as plot, character
development, and figurative language. We will be reading this novel in class and continue discussions, worksheets, and writing
prompts over our readings in the weeks to come.
I hope you will take this journey with us and aide in the expansion of the four walls of our classroom by spending
some time each night discussing with your student the truth of the 1960s and the way our country has and continues to grow and
develop. Familial bonds grow and strengthen throughout our story and students will see more each day how truly necessary
those bonds are for the family, we hope this experience gives you opportunity to find and employ life lessons both at home and
in public. We know you are our greatest asset in helping our students be well rounded and socially aware.
Related readings: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor, Maniac Magee by Jerry
Spinelli, Count Me In by Nayankia Kapoor all convieniently available on Amazon Prime, Barnes and Noble, or
Books A Million!
Thank you for your continued support in our journey through literacy,
Sierra Hielen Want to read along with our class?

For further readings or book borrowing Get these books online at

please visit our local public library, https://books.google.com/
https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2163 https://www.audible.com/
/Library
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Notable Awards
1995 Golden Kite Award Winner- Fiction
1996 Newbery Award Honor Book
1996 Coretta Scott King Honor Book
Award
1996 Jane Addams Children’s Honor Book
Award
1996 ALA Best Books for Young
Adults
1996 ALA Notable Children’s Book