The Watsons Go to Birmingham is set during the American Civil Rights Movement. As such, racial segregation, discrimination, and disenfranchisement are portrayed throughout the novel. This material may be triggering to some students; emphasize to the students that it is critical that all content is discussed with the utmost respect—the classroom will strictly be a place for respectful, understanding, and compassionate discussion of these issues. Ensure there is support, be it inside the classroom or with a counselor outside of it, for any students who may need it.
Please use the following links as resources to address racism with your students: