The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963/The View from Saturday by Christopher Paul Curtis/E. L. Konigsburg

This story of a ten-year-old African-American boy, Kenny Watson, and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan, begins with humorous accounts of thirteen-year-old Byron trying to act tough, Kenny trying to fit in at school, and Mrs. Watson bringing home the amazing Ultra-Glide. More serious issues unfold, including juvenile delinquency, family values, and racial prejudice. The Watsons head south for a visit with Grandma and become directly involved with the violence and hatred of racial prejudice. A Newberry Honor Book, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 illustrates courage, self-discovery, and coming of age.

Four sixth graders and their teacher are chosen to represent their class in an Academic Bowl competition. The diverse group of students from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds with different interests alternately narrate the story of their struggle to find acceptance among their peers and family while retaining their individual identity. A Newberry Book Award winner, The View from Saturday addresses self-discovery, prejudice, and diversity.

About the Series:

Novel/Drama curriculum units contain complete lesson plans with preliminary and follow-up work, teacher notes with plot summary, background, and rationale, ready-to-use worksheets, and suggested answers for student questions. These study guides encourage the development of thinking, reading, speaking, research, and writing skills as well as critical thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.