Setting
In what town did the story start out in?
Flint, Michigan
The Watsons decide to take a road trip to Birmingham for this reason.
Straighten out Byron and visit Grandma Sands
This ten-year-old boy is the narrator of the story.
Kenny Watson
A major theme in the book is the importance of this family bond.
The Watsons experience racism, which connects to this larger issue in history.
Segregation
The family travels to this Southern state to visit Grandma Sands.
Alabama
Kenny nearly drowns in this place, where he sees the Wool Pooh.
Collier's Landing
Byron Watson
Byron's character development represents this theme about growing up.
Maturity/Responsibility
The Watsons' road trip reflects the experiences of Black families who has to be careful while traveling due to this real-life problem.
The danger of racism in the South
The novel takes place in this decade, a crucial time for the Civil Rights Movement.
1960s
Kenny finds Joetta's shoe near the church after this tragic event.
The bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church
This character teaches Byron a lesson about responsibility and respect in Birmingham.
Grandma Sands
The book explores how racism affects people, which connects to this major social movement.
Civil Rights Movement
The bombing in the novel was a real attack on a church that killed this number of girls.
The church bombing in Birmingham is based on this real-life historical event.
16th Street Baptist Church Bombing
Kenny goes to this imaginary place that Byron told him about after the family returns home from Birmingham.
Kenny struggles to understand this concept after experiencing the church bombing.
Racism or violence
The loss of innocence
Kenny's struggle with understanding the bombing connects to how children process this difficult topic.
Trauma/Violence
The difference between Flint and Birmingham is emphasized through this literary element
Contrast (or juxtaposition)
Byron
The Wool Pooh, which Kenny believes he sees, symbolizes this.
Death/Fear
The contrast between Byron's tough persona and his softer moments reflects this theme.
Identity/Change
The Watsons represent Black families who, despite hardship, show resilience and love - an idea that connects to this broader cultural theme.
Strength in adversity/Power of family