The Watsons Go To Birmingham

Character Sketcher for Section Two

Character Traits:

1. Trait:  Intelligent  p. 24  par 5

In this passage, Kenny’s second grade teacher is having him read an excerpt from Langston Hughes to a fifth grade class.  While reading, the teacher had to turn the book upside down to slow him down a little.  This shows his reading capabilities.

2. Trait:  Quiet  p. 31  par 1

In this passage the bus driver has the new boys, Rufus and Cody, sit beside Kenny because he does not cause any problems on the bus and does not have much to say to others.

3. Trait:  Friendly  p. 33  par 8

In this passage it is Rufus’ first day of school and he does not have anyone to each lunch with.  So Kenny lets him sit with him at lunch and when Kenny finds out Rufus does not have any lunch, he shares his sandwich with him.

Character Goal:

Kenny’s goal in this chapter is to quit getting picked on.  Kenny is hoping since the new boy has arrived that everyone will start picking on Rufus and leave him alone.

Problem:

A problem arises when the new boy wants to become Kenny’s friend.  Kenny is afraid if he becomes his friend that everyone will pick on both of them and that will mean twice the teasing.

Solution:

Unfortunately, the kids did continue to tease, but only Rufus.  However, in the end of the section the boys became friends and no one else really mattered.