Watsons go to Birmingham

Why did dad put so much effort into the ultra guide record player?

He’s trying to bring them together. He’s lighthearted and puts a lot of effort, showing loyalty and optimism.

Why is mama initially upset with dad for buying the record player?

She’s mad because they don’t have any extra money it’s frivolous it’s unnecessary

How does Byron’s reaction to the news contrast with his tough guy personality?

It’s the fear of the unknown also he won’t have his friends. He doesn’t wanna be away from his family.

During the shaving scene, why does Kenny refuse his father’s offer to pretend shave?

He’s being naïve and he’s now coming of age. He’s showing more maturity.

How does the atmosphere change once the plan for the trip is revealed what is mama’s careful budgeting, and planning suggest about the journey

The mood changes the shift in the mood changes from a light airy and funny to a somber serious and urgent

What is the significance of the private talk between Kenny and dad

Dad thinks it’s necessary because the real world is scary and cruel unlike Byron he’s more mature in the township because their conversation turns to a very serious matter in the world

Why does mama feel she must plan every detail of the trip

It’s because the green book is like a guide and a survival so mama wants to be ready. She is scared and doesn’t know what to expect.

what was Joanna’s reaction to the Angel Miss Davidson gave her? Why is it significant she hit it in the sock drawer?

It’s cause Joey‘s reaction was kind, even though she didn’t like it. It shows maturity and growth and she doesn’t like it because she thinks he doesn’t look like her because it’s white it hints when putting it in the sock drawer it’s kind of putting it to bed closing it so like something bad‘s gonna close out their trip

How has the threat of Byron being left behind an Alabama changed the way brothers treat each other in the drive

Kenny doesn’t want Byron to stay in Alabama, but he still messes with him in the car. This show shows their bond.

In chapter 9, dad stops being the Joker and becomes the teacher. How does this change your view?

It changes the view because he’s now explaining how things really are in the real world and things aren’t just fun and games

Why do the Watsons drive to Birmingham?

They want grandma Sands to watch Byron to help shape him up because he’s constantly causing trouble

What does Kenny see at coriander’s landing that scares him

He sees the whirlpool, a faceless dark figure in the water that supposedly tries to pull him down which symbolizes the whirlpool and death

What does Kenny think the Watson pet hospital is?

The space behind the couch where Kenny hides after the bombing thinking it will heal his trauma

How does Byron change by the end of the book?

He changes from a selfish mean, bully into a caring, protective brother who helps Kenny recover from the trauma

Why does the 16th St., Baptist Church bombing affect Kenny?

He feels guilty for surviving and traumatized by seeing the whirlpool and thinking his sister Joey was killed and that it was his fault

What is the significance of the morning Dove

After Byron killed it with a cookie, he feels extreme remorse, showing his soft side, and for shadows the death of innocent children in the bombing