The first part of the book has Kenny introducing his family, the Watsons. His family has his dad, his mom, older brother Byron and younger sister Joetta. He retells stories about him and Byron, including the story of Byron and Buphead teaching Kenny how to survive a blizzard, in which they spat snow at him. Byron continues to act bad, including beating up Larry Dunn, and lighting matches at his house. As for Kenny, he tells about his lazy eye, his time with L.J. Jones stealing dinosaurs, and about his new friend, Rufus Fry, which Kenny thinks will be his "saver" who God has sent. Joey complains about how Momma makes her and Kenny wear so many clothes outside during the Winter. Byron makes many mistakes in the book such as, going to Buphead's to make his hair "Mexican style" by straightening it. His mom gets very mad, and his dad shaves his head bald as a punishment.

That was Byron's last straw. The family decides Byron should live with his Grandma Sands in Alabama for the summer or maybe for a year if things don't work out in the hope of straightening him out. They drive straight from Flint to Birmingham, where Kenny almost drowns ,and the family almost suffers a terrible loss during the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. Kenny believes that Joey is gone in the bombing which makes him worry about her.

Setting

The Watsons live in Michigan, while Grandma Sands lives in Alabama. Both places have very inturiging seasons. The book takes place during the civil rights movement. During the time, crucial events take place in American history. The book is during the fall/winter of 1962 to the summer of 1963. The church bombing had happened while the Watsons were in Birmingham. Because of what had happened, Byron Watson even got to come home that week. After the tragic event, the Watsons started packing their stuff to head back to Flint, Michigan.^[3]

Characters

Kenneth Bernard "Kenny" Watson - The middle child. He is ten years old, the main protagonist, and narrator of the book. He's known for having a lazy eye and for being an excellent student, both of which make him the target of teasing at Clark Elementary School.

Byron Watson - Kenny and Joey's older brother, a thirteen-year-old "official juvenile delinquent" whose many "fantastic adventures" continually get him into trouble at home and at school. He sometimes bullies and teases Kenny, but also protects him at school, and saves his life in Birmingham.

Joetta "Joey" Watson - The youngest child. She is five years old, and is in kindergarten. She's known as a very respectful little girl. Joey has a special relationship with Byron.

Wilona Sands Watson - Usually called Momma. She's the mother of the three children and the wife of Daniel. A native of Birmingham, she slips into a thick southern accent when mad or excited and complains about Flint's harsh winters. She is tough but fair to her children. Wilona wants Byron to become mature and set a good example for Kenny and Joey.

Daniel Watson - Father of the three children. He's known for having a good sense of humor and the husband of Wilona. He is referred to as "Dad".

Grandma Sands - Wilona's mother, Daniel's mother-in-law, and Byron, Kenny, and Joey's grandmother. She lives in Birmingham, and has an even thicker accent than Wilona. She is also very strict. Byron is sent to her for the summer and possibly for the next school year so that he can change his ways. It's hinted that Grandma Sands has a crush on her friend Mr. Robert. They are not wealthy. Mr. Robert - Grandma Sands' friend.

Buphead - Byron's best friend who is also an "official delinquet", helps Byron bully many kids, including his brother. Byron and Buphead do stand up for Kenny and Rufus when they're being bullied by Larry.

Rufus Fry - Kenny's new best friend. His family moves to Flint from the South. He and his little brother befriend Kenny.

Larry Dunn - Kenny's bully at school.

Brown Bomber - The family's car.