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The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963

By: Christopher Paul Curtis
Narrated by: LeVar Burton
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Publisher's summary

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree about an unforgettable family on a road-trip during one of the most important times in the civil rights movement.

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

©1995 Christopher Paul Curtis (P)1996 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, An Imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group
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Critic reviews

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

What listeners say about The Watsons Go to Birmingham: 1963

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Funny!

Keeps you laughing!

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2 people found this helpful

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Awesome

B e s t b o o k I ‘ v e h e a r d t h i s y e a r.

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Best book ever!!

This book is amazing I thought it might be a little boring but not at all this has got to be one of my favorite books.I really loved the reader his voice was not to slow but not fast his voice was very calming.I disliked nothing about about this book. I gave this 5 stars because it so fun and interesting to read. I totally recommend you reading this book because I promise you will love!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great!

We listened to this on our way to the civil rights institute in Birmingham. It was funny, touching and opened our eyes.

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Best book

Had to read for book report but really enjoyed it and thanks for having it available

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Good book

Excellent story telling by Mr. Burton. I appreciated that the events of September 1963, were told in a meaningful way. It reminds us that this could have happened to you and me. Above all, this book shows that family bonds can be strong especially in times when it is needed most.

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Great music

The story was so impactful I started crying at the end.
The background music was fantastic and very appropriate for each part. I would love a soundtrack listing.

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best book ever

This was the best book i have ever read. It had dram and kepped me reading all night long.

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awsome

I love this book it's sssssssoooooo good that's all I have to say bye have a nice day

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very good book for teens learning civil rights

This book is really good and probably meant for teens. I found myself wanting to listen to this book all the time.

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