The Watson's Go to Birmingham Chpts. 1-5

Front

Who is Byron in 'The Watson's Go to Birmingham'?

Back

Byron is the older brother of the narrator, who is seen as a juvenile delinquent that skips school and doesn't listen to their parents.

Front

How does the author show that the narrator is smart?

Back

The author shows the narrator's intelligence by explaining that he is called 'Egghead' and 'Poindexter' and is made to read in front of older students.

Front

What is Byron's explanation for why garbage trucks have wide back doors?

Back

Byron humorously suggests that garbage trucks have wide back doors to take away children from the South who have thin blood and freeze easily.

Front

Where does the story of 'The Watson's Go to Birmingham' begin?

Back

The story begins in Flint, Michigan.

Front

What did Kenny's father remind his mother about Birmingham?

Back

Kenny's father reminded his mother that Birmingham had 'colored only' bathrooms, indicating it was not friendlier than their hometown.

Front

What does the term 'juvenile delinquent' mean?

Back

A juvenile delinquent is a young person who engages in illegal or antisocial behavior.

Front

What does the nickname 'Egghead' imply about the narrator?

Back

The nickname 'Egghead' implies that the narrator is very smart, but it is used in a teasing manner.

Front

What is the significance of the setting in Flint, Michigan?

Back

Flint, Michigan serves as the starting point of the Watson family's journey, highlighting their life before moving to Birmingham.

Front

How does the author use humor in Byron's character?

Back

The author uses Byron's humorous explanations, like the one about garbage trucks, to showcase his personality and the dynamics of the family.

Front

What does the phrase 'colored only' bathrooms signify?

Back

The phrase 'colored only' bathrooms signifies racial segregation and discrimination that existed in the South during the time period of the story.