The Watsons Go to Birmingham - Chapter 6

What does Byron tell Kenny a “peon” is? What is a peon, really?

• Byron tells him a peon is a flower, but it's actually an unwealthy person.

• Byron tells him a peon is someone that's so poor, rich people "pee on" them like anything else. It's actually a laborer.

• Byron tells him a peon is a poor person, but it's actually those without homes.

Why can’t Kenny tell his parents about the Swedish Cremes?

• Because Byron wouldn't be able to get more Swedish Cremes after, and they're his favorite.

• Because Byron would tell their parents the truth about Kenny's gloves.

• Because he already ate some and he would get in trouble too.

When Kenny returns to the alley, what does he discover Byron has done with the bird?

• He's given it a funeral.

• He threw it away in a trashcan.

• He put it in his pocket.

Kenny says that sometimes it’s hard to understand what’s going on with Byron. What do you think is going on? Another way to think about this question: Do you think that deep inside Byron is a good person or an evil person? Explain your thinking. Use examples from the book and discuss how Byron’s contrasting character traits

When Momma sends Byron to the store, he asks her why Kenny can’t do it. Momma ignores him and Kenny says, “If you were stupid enough to ask your question again there would be the loudest quiet in the world coming from Momma.” What does he mean?

• He means she'll forget about it and won't answer.

• He means she'll be so irritated she won't need to say anything for him to know her frustration.

• He means she'll answer him and then ignore him.