A Novel Study Unit to take us

back in time.

The AuthorChristopher Paul Curtis

What does he like to write about?

Where is he from?

How did he start writing?

Why does he write?

Our Project• We are having a meeting

of our book club.

• We are inviting Christopher Paul Curtis to speak about his books.

• Create a brochure to invite members and fellow readers to our meeting.

Our Project cont.• The brochure must include:

– Author biographical information– Summary of the book– Pictures or clip art– Word Art– Awards he has won– Meeting information– Correct spelling & grammar– A memorable quote by the author

Where is the

information?

Cyber Facts – The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 Today we will use the computer to learn about the author of our upcoming novel study. Christopher Paul Curtis wrote The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963. What else do we know about him? Now is the time to find out.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences on your own paper. Af ter each answer write the URL address for the web site that you used to find your answer. This will be the fi rst page of your new Reader’s/ Writer’s J ournal. Good Luck and Have Fun!

1. Where was Christopher Paul Curtis born? 2. Af ter high school where did he work and for how long? 3. What was his fi rst novel published for young readers? 4. Where did much of his content f or his story come f rom? 5. What honors did his fi rst novel receive? List 4 6. What is an “accolade”? 7. What is the historical era for the setting of The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963? 8. Name three characters you will meet in the book. 9. Who were Christopher Paul Curtis’s grandfathers and what did they do? 10. What was his second book and what award did it receive?

Use these approved web sites: Bringing The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 to the Middle School Classroom –f rom THE ALAN Review http:/ / scholars.lib.vt.edu/ ejournals/ ALAN/winter99/ george.html The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 http:/ / f aculty.ssu.edu/ ~elbond/ watsons.htm Authors/ I llustrators: Christopher Paul Curtis http:/ / www.randomhouse.com/ teachers/ authors/ curtis.html

Let’s Get StartedRemember:

• Use proper posture and techniques.• Write complete and accurate notes.• Cite all sources of information.• Follow your guidelines and rubric.• Save your work.

• Ask if you need help!!• And have fun!!