The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 Coming of Age Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Even though I was in fourth grade I fell for a lot of the stuff Byron came up with. (4.36)

Why do you think Kenny still believes a lot of what Byron tells him?

Quote #2

He was smiling and he even put his arm around my shoulder as we walked. I couldn't help myself, it felt so grown-up to have By walking with me like that, I started laughing right along with him. (6.40)

Kenny's sense of feeling grown up seems tied to how his big brother treats him. When Byron treats Kenny like an equal, Kenny feels mature. When Byron treats Kenny like a little kid, Kenny feels like a kid. Funny how that works.

Quote #3

"This is it, By. You're old enough now and you've been told enough, this time something's going to be done." (7.148)

Byron is getting older, but he doesn't seem to be getting more mature. Momma and Dad have to do something drastic to get Byron to finally grow up. Why do you think they've given him so many chances? And why the heck does Byron still act so immature? Come on, By.