The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
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From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Chris in MD No, Kenny is not really based on me although there are parts of him that are similar. Yes, i was 10 years old at the time of the bombing.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: The students at Plum Point Great job analyzing the use of imagery! It kind of adds flavor to the book doesn't it?
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Cory in MI Cory, what you did is great! That's what reading is all about, using our imaginations and thoughts to fill in unanswered questions. You are a very good reader, keep it up!
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Yna in NJ I agree with you, I think By can be mean and kind at the same time.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Peter in NJ Thank you! Keep reading.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Shawn in WI I agree, I think By tries to be a lot harder than he really is. I think he did feel bad about killing a living thing.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Jason in WI Good point! Those were different times, parents were a lot more strict than now. Maybe they went overboard some of the time.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Ray in WI I loved writing the entire book, but my favorite part was probably the first chapter. It's pretty common for authors to put their "best" work up front to try to grab the readers attention.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Ally in WI Getting published is very difficult and takes a lot of time and patience. Tell dad to look in Writer's Guide under "Contests." That's how I got started.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Travis in WI Yeah, Byron does have a real soft spot in him.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Travis in WI Byron can be pretty selfish, can't he?
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Karen in WI Most of my ideas conme from my imagination, i sit and just imagine what would happen next. It's sort of as if I'm telling myself a story. Rufus was poor because he is based on a little boy I knew.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Craig in WI I don't think Mom was really mean to By and Kenny, I think she was just worried that they do the right thing. No, the book wasn't hard for me to write.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Shannon in Wi I wrote the book because my wife thought I could be a writer and gave me a year off work to do it.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Ashley in WI Wow! Great job analyzing what's going on in the story! I can tell you love reading!
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Amber and Angie in WI Keep reading, you're both really doing great work!
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Andrew in TX That really happened to me!
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Justin in WI It takes around a year for me to write a book.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Brent in Tx I'm finishing a book called "Bucking the Sarge." It's about a 15 year old boy in Flint who is rebelling against his mother. It won't be out for quite a while,
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Chad and Michael in TX Thak you! Keep reading.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Kayla in Tx Thanks! I'm glad you were considerate of others and didn't blow the ending!
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Breanna in WI I'm glad you're sticking with the book, a lot of the time if we give something a chance it improves.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Alicia in NJ I can see you're a reader! It's fun to get excited about books, isn't it?
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Billy in NJ Well, Billy, guess what? You are "talking" to me!
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Kelsey in TX I'm glad you're enjoying the book, keep reading!
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Willie in WI I think Byron is really going to catch it when Mom and Dad find out!
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Patrick in Wi Keep up the good work! You're doing a great job of understanding the book.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Kayla in WI I really knew a bully named Buphead. Isn't that a cool name?
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Kevin in WI Most authors use bits and parts of their own lives in their stories.
From: Christopher Paul Curtis - Author	To: Kayla in WI Give reading a chance, Kayla. I'm so happy that you're enjoying the book, believe me, there are many, many great books to be read. Ask your librarian, he or she can recommend all kinds of good books.
From: Michelle Grade 7 Marshall Middle School Marshall, WI	To: La Portia (Houston,TX) Hi do you think you would want to be my disscution partner? What chapter are you on? I am on chapter 9 but I am reading chapter 10 tonight for homework. Please write back...
From: sean Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	I don't think playing with matches is smart while in the house. Then flushing down the toilet,it's to easy to here and notice the smoke.
From: Eric Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: author I think that this is a very interesting book so far my faviort chapter so far is Byron Watson and the flamethrower of death Byron is my faviort charter. Who is your faviort?
From: Becky S. Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Kelly at stillwater I thoaght It was real funny when By made a movie and the whole upstairs smelt like smoke and momma lit herself up like a match! remember when Byron got his lips stuck! I think It was real mean to overdue larry's beatin. Bye kelly! see you in english class!
From: Kelly Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Becky I think that the book is good so far the only part I didn't like was when By was supposed to get burned. My favorite part was the lipless wonder.
From: Russell Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Bryan Bryan,how do you like this book? I think it's a funny and serios book so far. My favorite chapter in this book so far is the first one.whats yours? Write back to me soon.
From: sean Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Christopher Paul Curtis I love your book. I hope to enjoy the whole book.
From: Kelly Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Eric v I think that the book is good so far how about you? I didn't like when Larry got beat up real bad for no reason
From: eric Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Zach in NJ Zach i do think that Byron can be mean a lot of the time but he is just trying to be cool
From: becky in NJ Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: author I like the book alot and i think it is real funnny and serious. Usually i don't like reading but this is a real good book! If there are any other books u wrote, let me know 'cause i'm sure their good too!
From: Amy, Alex, Amanda, Sydney Grade 5 Dr. Bagnall School Groveland, MA	To: Christopher Paul Curtis In chap. five, we got pretty jumpy when Momma was about to light Byrons' finger on fire. That brings up a question to us. Did you know anyone who got their finger burnt? We really would like to know so PLEASE write back. We would all love to hear what you have to say. Thank You!
From: Zach, Zack, Emily, Jessica Grade 5 Dr. Bagnall School Groveland, MA	To: Christopher Paul Curtis Our group was wondering if any thing else in this book happened to you. Did your fingers ever get burnt by your parents?
From: Eric,Mike,Aimee,Stephanie Grade 5 Dr. Bagnall School Groveland, MA	To: Christopher Paul Curtis We kind of got scared when Momma was going to light Byron's fringers,but we were glad when Joey saved the day.His movie was funny.
From: Chris Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	I thought Larry Dunn got what he deserved.He had no right to do that to the kids.
From: Owen Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: anybody I think that it was not very smart to be playing with the fire but I think the punishment was not a great one. I'm grateful that he didn't get burned at all. It was funny when he was burning the toy and sending them into the potty.
From: matt at stillwater Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	I think the book is grate to read!!!!!!!!!
From: sean Grade 6th Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: sally in WI I like the book a lot so far. I wish by got burned. This book seems great, and I hope to read all chris's other books.
From: Matt Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: you This book is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: sean Grade 6th Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: even in new jersey I agree, this book is a real hum digger.
From: Chris Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: author I like Byron's movie. I thought it was very funny.
From: sean D Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: matt from nj I agree. it is great.
From: Chris Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Sean D It is a digger.
From: phill Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: who ever wants it I like the book.
From: whitney Grade 7 Plum Point Middle School Huntingtown, MD	To: Erin What was your favorite character in the story? My favorite character was Joetta because she was very caring.
From: kyle Grade 7 Plum Point Middle School Huntingtown, MD	To: Corey in Wisconsin I think you were right about the punishment. It was not harsh enough. He should have been grounded. What do you think of how the author has used imagery. Write back soon.
From: Billy J. / Andrew W. Grade 7th Plum Point Middle School Huntingtown, MD	To: Tom We thought ch.5 was funny too! We liked it when Byron got burned!! We liked it when he was dropping toy soldiers into the toilet. It was also funny when Joey tried to stick-up for By and she started to cry. What did you like about ch.5?
From: Drew + Jermy Grade 7th Plum Point Middle School Huntingtown, MD	To: Amber and Josh (Also anyone else) Hello, In the story, we both agree that Byron is the greastest of all the characters;he has an attitude and is not afraid of anything except himself. That is who we think is the best character. Who do you think is the best character? Write Back.
From: George/Eric/David Grade 7 Plum Point Middle School Huntingtown, MD	To: anyone Do you remember when Byron got his lip stuck to the window? Wasn't it funny how he was whinny to his mother that his lip was hurting? Byron was getting so annoying. He was acting like such a baby!What do you think about that?
From: krista Grade 7th Plum Point Middle School Huntingtown, MD	To: Kenneth in WI Hi, I got your message. I don't think that it was right for Byron's mom to try to burn him. I also think his mom should of grounded him instead of burning him. Do you think that he should have disobeyed his mother's rules?
From: Michael Grade 7 Plum Point Middle School Huntingtown, MD	To: Amber B Amber,I think that the author also used alot of descriptive words, along with alot of detail to keep you interested in the book.I think that the best chapter so far was chapter 3.What was your favorite chapter?
From: Brigid Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	Does any one think that By shouldn't have even been threatened? I think that just thretening your child to burn them should be chilad abuse.
From: MiChAeL Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	this is a very funny book, up to chapter six i think !
From: Sean M Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Eric HAHAHA that was pretty funny I've already read this book so I wont spoil it for you
From: John Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: michael how do you like the book?
From: MiChAeL Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: BrIgD yes!!!!!!! what opinion do you have on kenny and his family. does this famly ever seem to be normal to you? I like the concept of the C.P.C making everything in this book jhave a funny twist.!!!!?,.
From: Brad Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: any one hi do you like this book????????????
From: MiChAeL Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: john i like the book. it has a lot of funny parts to it. do you think that this family will ever get along like normal people
From: Brigid Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: author Is this book based on your past or did you write it about someone else?
From: Pat Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: George/Eric/David Yes it was funny when his lips got stuck, but it was even more funny when Byron was playing with matches and his mom was going to burn his hand. Isn't that child abuse?
From: Sean M Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: John G Chatpter 6 was a good chapter but it wasnt welfare food it was just a charge list I think
From: John Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Sean do you like the book
From: MiChAeL Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: sean what are you talking about SeAn!?
From: Brigid Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: mikey His family is just a weeny bit extremly weird.
From: John Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Sean that's what I think
From: MiChAeL Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: PaT I like the parts were the knotzies were geting dround, burned, and flushed
From: Sean M Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Mike You'll see its great Byron throws up
From: John Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Sean is it funny
From: Brigid Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Pat the rest of my last coment don't try to make BY get burned.
From: Bob Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: ANYONE Is anyone out there????????/
From: John Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Brigid yes
From: Bob Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: John Was ist in de schactle?
From: John Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Bob I don't know
From: Bob Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: ANYONE Have you ever gotten oyur lips stuck to ANY mirror
From: John Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Bob no
From: Pat Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: anyone It was funny when By was crying when he was scared about his mom burning his hand. He diserved to get burned after being so mean to a lot of kids.
From: Bob Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	To: Brigid I agree with your comment on By and the burning.
From: Sean Grade 6 Stillwater Elementary Stillwater, NJ	It was wierd when the man was carrying the bloody girl out of the church Kenny was freaked to bad they were bombed