The overarching theme of this novel is that of family. This is a character-driven story, which gives the reader a slice of family life, through Kenny’s eyes, as he comes to understand the power that lies in familial love.

What are the main themes of The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

• Change, Coming of Age, and Maturity.
• Family, Friendship, and Support.
• Bullying and Injustice vs. Kindness and Compassion.
• Race and Class.

What is the theme of Chapter 2 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

Lesson Summary



In Chapter 2 of The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963, the reader learns about the pecking order at Clark Elementary School, where Byron is a ‘god’ and Larry Dunn is the ‘king’ of grades kindergarten to 4.

What are some examples of racism in The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

Racism. The major crisis of the book is the bombing at the church in Birmingham. We learn later that some white men set off the bomb in the church because they were angry about the Birmingham schools being integrated (meaning that white and African American students would attend the same schools).

What is the main problem of the Watsons Go to Birmingham?

Answer and Explanation: The main conflict of Curtis’ The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 is presented to be Byron’s devilish and trouble-making nature. However, this is quickly resolved and the novel instead focuses on the racial tensions in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama.

How old is Kenny in The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

10-year-old

Kenneth (Kenny) Watson



A 10-year-old boy who is the narrator and protagonist of the novel, and the middle child of the Watson family. Kenny is a smart and empathetic fourth grader who sometimes gets picked on because of his love of reading, and his lazy eye.

Why did Mr Watson say they had their fingers in God’s beard?

Driving through the mountains, they can see about a million stars, and all the Weird Watsons have their arms out the windows to feel the clean, cool air. Dad says they’re up so high that it’s like they have their fingers tangled up in God’s beard.

What Is The Watsons Go to Birmingham about short summary?

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963



TWGTB is set in Flint, Michigan in the winter of 1962 and the fall of 1963. It follows the Watson family from Flint to Birmingham on a journey that brushes against the bombing of a church much like that of the tragic attack on Birmingham, Alabama’s 16^th Street Baptist Church.

What is the conclusion of The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

The Watsons’ physical journey has ended, but the emotional journey is far from over—especially for Kenny. Kenny withdraws from the family; he hides behind the couch and won’t talk to anyone about what he saw in the church or how he’s feeling. That is, until his heart-to-heart with Byron in the bathroom.

Who changed the most in the Watsons Go to Birmingham?

Byron

Byron 2.0: New and Improved



Byron definitely changes more than anyone in Watsons. By the end of the story, he barely resembles his former delinquent self, and Shmoop is pretty glad about that. Byron’s final transformation comes about when he thinks Joey died in the church.

Which of these best summarizes Kenny’s problems at school?

Which of these best summarizes Kenny’s problems at school? His teacher is very difficult to get along with. He is bullied in school by the other students including his brother.

How does LJ trick Kenny?

LJ tricked Kenny to bury the dinosaur and after they left LJ went back and stole them.

Why did joetta leave the church who saved her?

Joetta explains that she left the church because she was so hot. Then she saw Kenny wave to her so she chased him down the street! The boy Joetta saw was not actually Kenny though.