What are two main themes in The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 Themes

• Change, Coming of Age, and Maturity. In The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963, 10-year-old Kenny Watson watches his older brother, Byron, transition into adolescence.
• Family, Friendship, and Support.
• Bullying and Injustice vs.
• Race and Class.

What is the topic of The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

Family: 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. The reader can see that love between the Watsons in countless ways throughout the novel.

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 a good quote from The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

“There’s one good thing about getting in trouble: It seems like you do it in steps. It seems like you don’t just end up in trouble but that you kind of ease yourself into it. It also seems like the worse the trouble is that you get into, the more steps it takes to get there.

What is the theme of The Watsons Go to Birmingham and why?

Themes. The Watsons Go to Birmingham is a coming-of-age story about Kenny and Byron Watson. It’s considered a coming-of-age story because they both learn lessons that help them grow as people and care for their family. Family and friendshipis another theme of this novel.

What does the angel symbolize in The Watsons Go to Birmingham?

Joey’s Angel Kenny also acknowledges the existence of angels at the very end of the novel; however, he says that angels are a sign of love, and that they are there when family members express their love for one another.

Why does Kenny call Byron Daddy Cool?

He started off as a budding delinquent. The typical 50s greaser, a real tough guy. He even had his own greaser nickname ‘Daddy cool’. He wouldn’t even touch his dad because it was ‘not cool’.

Is Joetta Watson a real person?

Though Joetta Watson is a fictional character, the bombing at the church was very real. A bomb set on a timer was placed at the 16th Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963 by 4 members of the local Birmingham chapter of the Ku Klux Klan.

What does the Wool Pooh symbolize to Kenny?

Whatever else it might be, the Wool Pooh is definitely a symbol for death. It shows up first when Kenny is about to drown and then again at the church after the bomb goes off. Kenny is the only person who sees the Wool Pooh, and both times, he’s really scared.

Why does joetta dislike the angel from Mrs Davidson?

Joetta does not like the angel Mrs. Davidson gives her because it has a white face. Momma has the whole trip to Birmingham planned out.)

What does the Wool Pooh symbolize?

Why did Mr Watson keep his toothbrush hidden?

Why does Dad hide his toothbrush from everyone? He doesn’t want anyone using it to clean something.

What does Dad do about Byron’s hair?

When Dad gets home, Momma Watson tells him about Byron’s hair. Dad doesn’t seem to be angry, but hauls Byron into the bathroom and closes the door so that Kenny and Joey can’t see what is happening. Dad whistles the song Straighten up and Fly Right, and cuts off all of Byron’s hair!