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Title: refreshing and humorous 1960s historical ficition for young readers
Review: Ten-year-old Kenny has a weird family: a mom from the south, a silly father, a sweet little sister, and a juvenile delinquent older brother, Byron. When Byron seems out of control, the Watsons pack up their car for a trip down south to their grandmother's house. But they are also on a crash-course with history and the tragic events of the Civil Rights movement. Greater historical themes take a back seat to the personal story of a close family, which is a bit refreshing, especially when the ending hits the readers, shocking them in its impact, just as it did in reality, fifty years ago. Characters are real and fully developed, absolutely loveable and hilarious. Might be a difficult read for younger students due to some of the obscurity/allegorical nature of the writing, as well as dated slang, but definitely a worthwhile and engaging young adult novel. Grade: A-
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