"The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963" is a historical fiction novel by Christopher Paul Curtis. It follows the Watson family, an African American family living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, during the early 1960s. The story is narrated by Kenny Watson, a 10-year-old boy, who shares his experiences with his quirky family, including his older brother Byron, his younger sister Joey, and their parents. The family's journey to Birmingham, Alabama, is prompted by their concern for Byron's behavior. The trip takes place against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, culminating in the tragic bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in September 1963, which profoundly impacts the characters and highlights the struggles for racial equality.