The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
The January pick for NPR's Backseat Book Club, Curtis' book is lovely. Set in Flint, Michigan and Birmingham, Alabama the book is almost a portal into 1963. Kenny, the 9 year old narrator, is so endearing that it almost borders on saccharine, however Curtis pulls back every time. He reminds the reader that we are observing boys, and every now and then they can be snot nosed little pain in the asses. The main thesis of the book is to introduce young minds to the Civil Rights movement. Curtis does a great job opening the door, and dealing with the violence of the era. He reminded me that the explanation for terrorism is the same for an adult as it is for a child. Hate fuels the ability to justify violence at any cost.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham -- 1963 is a great teaching tool. As I was searching several lesson plans popped up. I'd almost pay to hear the conversations around it. Kids the age of Kenny have the amazing ability to push for answers, and make adults feel extraordinarily uncomfortable. I'd love to see group projects set around this as well. The book opens a lot of doors, all teachers have to do is walk though them.
My next book is A Monster Calls. It ended up on many best of 2011 lists last year, so I've decided to give it a shot.
The January pick for NPR's Backseat Book Club, Curtis' book is lovely. Set in Flint, Michigan and Birmingham, Alabama the book is almost a portal into 1963. Kenny, the 9 year old narrator, is so endearing that it almost borders on saccharine, however Curtis pulls back every time. He reminds the reader that we are observing boys, and every now and then they can be snot nosed little pain in the asses. The main thesis of the book is to introduce young minds to the Civil Rights movement. Curtis does a great job opening the door, and dealing with the violence of the era. He reminded me that the explanation for terrorism is the same for an adult as it is for a child. Hate fuels the ability to justify violence at any cost.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham -- 1963 is a great teaching tool. As I was searching several lesson plans popped up. I'd almost pay to hear the conversations around it. Kids the age of Kenny have the amazing ability to push for answers, and make adults feel extraordinarily uncomfortable. I'd love to see group projects set around this as well. The book opens a lot of doors, all teachers have to do is walk though them.
My next book is A Monster Calls. It ended up on many best of 2011 lists last year, so I've decided to give it a shot.
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