The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
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From: Mrs. Busic Grade 4th Sparta Sparta, NC	I have been reading THE WATSON'S to different classes for the last few years. It's one of my favorite books because students can relate to it, it's about history, and it's so funny (in some parts).
From: Tony m Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Everyone Hey everyone, How's it going? I sure don't think Daddy Cool is so cool. He just acts like he is, but inside, he feels like any normal person. He has guilt and feels sorry for things, but not humans. Interesting, huh? Anyone have a reply.
From: samantha Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone Hi I like this book. i wouldn't tell on him because i wouldn't want him to get in trouble. I mean he might be mean to kenny but he i still his brother
From: Ryan Grade 7 Bloordale Middle School Toronto, Ontario	To: Lenzi I think all the kids in the book are a little different meaning like well not bright. I mean we have kenny who wants to know wether its daddys milk or not. And then we have both kenny and by who think that they are buying welfare food because they have to put there name on a list this is on ch 6
From: dj Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: matt Hi Do you think byron will always run away from momma or daddy if he is going to get in trouble
From: Amanda Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Courtny At Kennys school, kids are judged fast, on wether they are cool, sqaure,cute or ugly, when you were the new kid at parkside did you feel like you were judged?
From: seth Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone on this list Hey everyone! What's up? Happy Halloween! In the Watsons Go to Birmingham~ 1963, I think that when Kenny and Byron eat all the swedish cremes and get all stuffed and Byron throws up because of the bird is rather odd. I think this because he is normally such a hardcore bully and all that he wouldn't care. Maybe he has a soft spot after all. Someone please respond. Send to Seth.
From: Taylor Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Ryan @ Bloordale Middle School That's a good thing that you are respected by everyone! So am I. Do you like this book? I think it's good but it isn't my favorite!
From: Joe Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	I think "Daddy Cool" acts cool but he has other feelings on the inside. He shows this when he makes a grave for the bird he killed with a cookie. I would not like to be friends with him because I think he would always try to be cool and never admit his other feelings.
From: michaele Grade 7 Bloordale Middle School Toronto, Ontario	To: anyone this is a good book its not my favorite but its not my favorite.
From: Amanda Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Quintin At kennys school, kids were gining nick names like poindexter, god, and clark, well when Aubrie and I gave you the nick name Quintin, did you get mad, how did you feel?
From: matt s. Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone I think that the Watson's Go To Birmingham is a great book so far and it will turn out as a great book as it ends.
From: Courtney Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Amanda Yes when I came to Parkside I felt like I was judged by alot of people. But I just tried my best to fit in with the people I thought I would, but that didn't always happened so I went for the people who I knew and their friends and that worked better for me, but some of my friends have changed so in away I think they judge me because I might not be as populaur as they are.
From: Kelsey V. Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: everyone Hi, is every one enjoying the book. I think that daddy cool isn't really all that cool. He is so mean to every one. That is not how cool people ack. If you are really cool then every one should like you. I think he acts so mean because maybe he thinks that if he lets his guard down then some one will start teasing him. I think he thinks that if every one is afraid of him then he won't have to worry about any one teasing him. It is kind of like his defense. It would be fun to be friends with him if he didn't always pick on every one and act so cool all of the time. When he isn't being all cool and everything he seems really nice.
From: michael(quintin) Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: amanda i was mad at first because i thought it was to make fun of me but i now know it wasen't. i can't stand it when people make fun of each other because they are different. its not fair. i only like aubrie as a friend because shes a cool person but isnt my type.
From: Sally Grade 7th Bloordale Middle School Toronto, Ontario	To: Everyone! I have really enjoyed this book! I think that Momma ans Dad will get very mad when they get the bill for Mr.Mitchells store. Don't you? If you were Kenny would you go tell momma about Byron and the store? Why or why not? I would still tell because he may get in more trouble while waiting until momma or dad find out.
From: Adrienne Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone hey how's it going? Are you enjoying this book?I don't belife "Daddy Cool" is really so cool!My way of looking at it is Byron wants the attention and it's working because he can push others around, yo get the attention.I sure wouldn't hang around him. He's the type that just wont listen to what you have to say and goes on doing what he wants to do.If you have a reply just write back!
From: Amanda Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Sally By and Kenny do not have the best relationship as brohters, well they still love each other still, do you ever feel this way about Sonya when she gets you mad, can you relate to Kenny?
From: Taylor Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Ryan Hey!Happy Halloween! I think that Byron isn't that tough he just acts like it. I think he's cool, he reminds me of a lot of my 8th grade guy friends even some of my 7th friends. How he acts all tough and hardcore, but he isn't really that mean! Write me back!
From: Courtney Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Samantha Why do you think Byron did not run away when he had the chance
From: michael(quintin) Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: everyone this book is a very good factual book it really tells how it was in the sixetys
From: Kean Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anyone who wants to read it i think Daddy Cool/Byron isnt so cool. I think he tries to hide his sensitivity.He tries and hides it by acting tough, bullying people, and makin fun of people. At the end of chapter 6 he showed some sensitivity. I hope that sooner or later he becomes very sensitve to other people's feelings or actions. Instead of makin fun of someone or teasing he should try and comfort them. Daddy cool is nothing but a bully trying to hide his emotions. In my opinion i think he thinks its uncool to show them. But i hope that he will be passionate for others instead of not being. He can still be cool and show his emotions.
From: Carly Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone reading these comments I think I wouldn't tell Momma and Dad about what Byron was doing, because Kenny was also stealing food and eating it. So i guess that i would try to get Byron to stop on my own because if he continued signing for stuff both of them would end up getting in a lot of trouble.
From: Tocarra Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Alicia, Jacqetta, and Tiffany I get bullied by you alot ,but I geuss you just don't see it. I would appreciate it if you didn't pull my hair or call me names because it hurts my feeling, and when I try to tell you all you get mad then I don't have any friends. Please don't get mad at me later, i'm just telling you how I feel.
From: Sally Grade 7th Bloordale Middle School Toronto, Ontario	To: Amanda Happy Halloween! Yes that is exactly how i feel, we relate to them completely! By and Kenny are just like me and Sonya.(my sister)
From: Amanda Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Taylor At kennys school kids are judged quickly wether they are cute ugly sqaure or cool, well have you ever judged some one else?
From: michael(quintin) Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: everyone if byron is so cool how come he is in so much trouble with his parents have a good time reading happy halloween!
From: Sally Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Adrienne, Amanda Were getting off now Bye. I hope you guys learned a lot today. I know I did.
From: Amanda Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Aubrie, Shane,and Lesli Hi Happy Halloween. At Kennys school, kids are judged quickly on wether they are cute or ugly and cool, have you ever been judged at Parkside? Have you ever judged some 1 else?
From: andi Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone i think that byrons parents are gonna be really mad because byron was buying things that his parents don't even know about. i also think that byron is gonna be grounded for a really long time.
From: nick Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: alex man, by's parents are gonna kill him!he is spending all that money on buying stuff like those nasty cookies and killing birds with them! ha by's crazy yo.
From: andi Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: amanda hi amanda. happy halloween. i don't think daddy cool is cool at all. daddy cool acts a lot like sean.
From: ashley Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: jake hey! hows it goin? what do u think of "daddy cool"? i wouldnt want to be his friend he acts to cool when he really isnt that cool i think he acts the way he does cuz hes covering up for how he really feels
From: Gregg Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Any body who cares I think By was so scared to run awway because he new he would get caught.
From: Alex Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Nick Yeah i know he shouldn't take advantage of that it is not his money and he shouldn't have used the money on the cookies.
From: Taryn Grade 7 Bloordale Middle School Toronto, Ontario	To: Melissa Leland Iliked this book alot. Mostly the part where momma choked Byron. My mom wouldn't burn my brother, but she might drag himm by the neck. But she really wouldn't because she can't pick him up with one hand. But I thought that was funny even thogh it was mean
From: jake Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: yoyo s. did you read the part where byron does the hiar thing?
From: nick Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyonethatthinkskennyshouldstandupforhimself kenny is the coolest guy really everyone just thinks he is weird cuz he is actually smart. and they have nothing else to do other then make fun of him. and i agree with keans comment that by really is sensitive and is just hiding it by being a bully cause he is the oldest, yeah im so proud of him he is so big and buff cause he can beat up kids twice as young as him!not.
From: kohlby Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: matt Hey wouldn't you hate to be that bird?
From: Alicia Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Jacequtte Hi do you like the book I like it anyways I think when momma and papa get the bill they are going to get very mad. Did you read what Torcarra wrote us? We aren't really bulling her,are we? Please send me back a message. And read Torcarra!
From: Melissa L. Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Taryn Hey Taryn Idid really like that chapter to and im glad my mom dose not do that to me !
From: david Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: whom it may concern I think Mamma will have a cow when she finds out about the bill at Mr Mitchell's. I think she will never send byron or kenny to the store again.
From: Tyler Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Kelsey V. I agree with your opinion. He may be nice, but he acts like Daddy Cool (which is his nickname in the book)! And what do you think Momma and Dad will do when they find out about the bill at Mr. Mitchell's? Please respond.
From: Mack Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	To: any body I would like to be Bryon,s friend because I think he is real cool. I like when Byron sets the warriors on fire. Do you like when he sets them on fire and his mom is going to burn his finger?
From: Harrison Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Tony M I like reading your comments.
From: Tommy Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Micheal Micheal,Do you like the part about when the have the best dinausauer war ever.That was my favorite part in the whole book ever for now.
From: Tiffany Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	Hi!the answer to the qwestons is because he was scared to death and he did not want to move.
From: Tyler Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Nick I can relate to Kenny pretty well myself. He should stand up for himself. I do. (Hopefully. People think I'm so softhearted. They ask for everything). Maybe I should take on some defense skills! If you're like me, do you stand up for youself?
From: Alex Grade 4 Bloordale Middle School Toronto, Ontario	To: anyone Have you ever got your fingers burnt? That would really hurt your fingers. That would look brown that would be weird.
From: Stephanie Grade 4th Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Michael I think you right about the sixties. This book is wonderful! I love it .
From: Tina Grade 4th Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Kean Hi Kean i thank the same thang about daddy cool/byorn.He is not cool.I hope that someone or something will make him come to his sinses.
From: Tyler Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Andi I agree wholeheartedly. they should probably give him a whipping (or worse. Kenny should tell them the awful stuff Byron did). Do you think Daddy Cool is really cool? Please respond.
From: CAMDEN Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	To: JOE I agree with you Byron thinks he is so cool. Well someday he will get what he deserves what do you think? Well I really enjoy the book don,t you?
From: Jacquelyn Grade 4th Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Courtney I think Byron didn't run away when he could because he was to scared to and he would get in even more trouble than he already was in.
From: Blanche Grade 4th Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Stephanie In the chapter about Byron if I where him I would run. what would you do?
From: Rachel Grade 4th Sparta Sparta, NC	To: anybody If I were Kenny, I would tell momma and daddy about Byron because it could be dangerous for him and he could get hurt really bad.Do you think you would tell too?
From: FOLGER Grade 4TH Sparta Sparta, NC	To: CRISSY HI CRISSY HAVE YOU HIT A BIRD WITH SOMETHING? WELL I HAVE HIT A BIRD WITH A ROCK AND IT FELL DOWN DEAD.
From: Crissy Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Folger HI,Folger yes I have hit a bird before but was by accident.but it did not kill it.Have you ever did somthing bad before?
From: DAVID Grade 4TH Sparta Sparta, NC	To: MACK Hi Mack, I like the part about Byron getting his fingers burnt. Do you like that part?
From: Tina Grade 4th Sparta Sparta, NC	To: Mack What did you all think about the part when Byron got his lips stuck? And you think Byron is cool.He is mean.
From: Micheal Grade 4th Sparta Sparta, NC	To: any body I think the Book is cool becose of byron.Do you like Byron.
From: Tony Grade 4 Sparta Sparta, NC	I thought the same thing.I would be scared to.
From: Matt Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Sam Hey Sam, I dont think Daddy Cool is cool i think he acts.I think he acts the way he does because he wants to be popular and not like "poindexter".I wouldnt like to be friends with him. He is a Jerk
From: Leslie Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Sam Why do you think By changed his hair?
From: JustinR Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anyone I think a peon is someone stupid. What do you think?
From: Lindsay Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Lauren Why do you think By didn't run when his mom let go of him?
From: Elissa Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone + everyone If I was Kenny, I wouldn't tell on Byron. #1, he's "my" brother. #2, he would kill me or almost kill me. #3, usually only little kids tell about something like that. What would you do?
From: J.T. Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone Hey, I don't think cool daddy is really isn't bcause I think its just a weard nink name for him. I wouldn't be friends with him because he is sometimes he is mean.
From: Lauren Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Lindsay If you were Kenny,would you tell Momma, and Dad about By?
From: Sam Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Leslie I think By changed his hair because either he wanted to make his parents mad or he just wanted something new.
From: Lindsay Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Elissa I agree with you about not telling on By. I hink it is immature to tattle about something like that.
From: Lauren J Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Grace Hi. I really like this book. I think that the decision that Momma and dad made for Byron is the right one, but I was really suprised also. Byron deserved it for all of the trouble he caused. I can't believe he did all of that stuff from lighting matches to doing something to his hair. I hope Byron learns his lesson. I think that the plan will work because Grandma Sands is very strict and she will surely straighten him out. bye.
From: Lindsay Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Lauren No I wouldn't tell on By. Because that is tattling and I would get punished for that too because they would say that I was just tryng to get him into trouble...What would you do?
From: Natalie Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anyone who's interested!! I think "Daddy Cool"(Byron) is almost kind of funny some times, but he does really stupid stuff that he thinks is "cool." I guess he doesn't think he's going to get in trouble for the wierd stuff he does, but he always gets in big trouble! Doesn't he ever learn? I think he thinks that being "good" is not cool so he always gets in trouble. Also Byron probably thinks he's "macho" and "tough," and that it "earns" him attention when he does that kind of stuff.
From: Lauren Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Lindsay Yes I would tell on Byron because he shouldnt have done that stuff to his hair .
From: Jaleh Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone Hi What do you think momma and dad will do when they see the bill at Mr. Mitchalls? I think that Byron will get in big trouble and will not be allowed to go to Mr. Mitchells store.I also think that Byron might learn his lesson this time. I think dad might do something that he wouldn't like and other kids might make fun of him.
From: Lauren Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Leslie Hey would you tell Momma and Dad about Byron? I would
From: leslie Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: lauren yes i would too
From: Lauren Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone Hey would you tell on Byron? I would because he is being very mean right now in the book.
From: Natalie Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Lilly and anyone else In my opinion, it was kind of stupid of Byron to sign out food at the grocery store that his parents didn't even know about. He should have known that his parents would find out because the food wasn't free it was just going to get paid for later. It serves him right that Byron got sick from all the cookies he stuffed himself with! Gross!
From: Dominic Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anybody Hey,When mamma and dad find out about the bill at Mitchells I think they'll not say anything to Byron I just think they'll make Byron do more chores and even take some of Kennys and Joeys chores and if they get allowence I think they won't give Byron his mony until the debt is paid off then I thik they'll lecture Byron about what he did.
From: leslie Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: amanda happy halloween! have you ever been judged at parkside? have you ever judged someone else before?
From: Tiffanie Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: everybody what do u think of Byron changing his hair?????
From: Erica Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anyone I think in chapter 5 Momma was teahcing Byron a good lesson. She is really strict but it should get the lesson through Byran's head. She may of been rasied in a strict enviorment and that is why she acts like that or maybe she just knows how to teach Byron. Write me back with your thoughts please!
From: Caroline Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anyone!! I don't think Daddy Cool is really cool because he is so mean to everyone, and I think he is just putting on a front or acting like something he really isn't so that he will feel more powerful. I don't know if I would like to be friends with him because if I was his friend I wouldn't have to worry about getting beaten up, but if I wasn't his friend I wouldn't have to put up with how mean he is to everyone and how much trouble he gets into.
From: junior Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone I would like to be bryon friend because he really isn't that bad
From: Tony Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anybody do you know why Byron's dad was so caLM about his hair / very mad almost killed him\
From: LaurenM. Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anyone I think that Mom and Dad will probably make Byron pay for the things that he bought. They will probably not trust him to go and get things from the grocery store for a while either! They won't trust him as much and he will have to gain back that trust. He'll probably be spending some time in his room for a while!
From: Mariam Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Barbara Once momma and dad find out about the bill at Mitchel's, I bet Byron is going to get busted! Maybe they will make him pay the bill or make him work and do chores around the house untill he earns enough money to pay the bills.
From: Erica Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Everyone I don't think Daddy Cool is very cool. I think he is stupid. He thinks he is all cool doing things that will get him in trouble. I wouldn't want to be his friend or his brother or sister. I think I would move out if I had to live with Byron.
From: Diane Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Martez Do you fell like mama was being a little hard on Byron when she was going to burn him? I think now I know mama is not as quiet as I thought she was. How bought you?
From: jeremy Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anybody I think Mom and Dad will have Byron pay for the bill himself since he purchased the food
From: Katie Grade seventh Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anyone If I was Kenny, I would not tell Momma and Dad aboout Byron. I wouldn't because, just like Kenny, I think Byron would beat me up if I told them. Byron might also have something to hold against me if he caught me doing something bad then he could tell Momma and Dad about what I did because I told them what he did.
From: jordan Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: junior what do you think about by dying hes hare
From: Erica Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Anyone I think once Momma and Dad find out about the bill at Mr. Mitchell's Byron will once again get in trouble. Maybe they will make him clean the house, cook dinner, or maybe make him wear really old clothes to school so people will make fun of him. Write back with your thoughts.
From: Barbara Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Martez,Michele,Kerry I think that Byron is not cool at all! He is such a jerk sometimes! He reminds me of my brother! what do you think?
From: Simone Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone I think that when there mom and dad find out about the bill Byron will big trouble.
From: Erica Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Caroline I think Byron is getting to the age where he thinks he knows more then his parents. I know that both u and I know more then are parents so write back what you think.
From: Simone Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone I think that when there mom and dad find out about the bill Byron will big trouble.What do you think will happen?
From: michele Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone who knows me Hey whats^ you know the book the Watsons go to Birmingham w/ daddy cool I think he's cool, because he barried that bird, because I love birds. I would be his friend only if he loved a animal.
From: Taylor Grade 7 Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: Kohlby and Ryan Hey! I hope you have a fun and happy Halloween. do you all like this book I think it's cool, but not the best! Well anyway have fun tonight and be good! <3 ;)
From: Kelli Grade 7th Parkside Junior High Normal, IL	To: anyone I have gotten judged by my looks and what I wear before what about you? I think Daddy cool is cool because he has a heart in him, he just dosen't want to show it! But I also think he should stop bulling others around! How would he feel about that? By should have to pay the bill. But I think that the Watsons are going to say there must be a mistake when there wasn't! What about you?