ELIJAH OF BUXTON by Christopher Paul Curtis Book Review

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439023440

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Set in the Elgin Settlement at Raleigh in Canada, also known as Buxton, this gripping historical novel centers around an 11 year old boy named Elijah Freeman. Famous for two reasons, being the first free child born in Buxton and throwing up on Frederick Douglass, Elijah is set to prove he is not as “fragile” as everyone thinks, even though he does cry easily. His vulnerability is the cause for many of his problems such as believing hoop snakes are going to cause his slow, drawn out death, losing a good portion of the fish that he caught and almost being sold to a traveling carnival. Due to the respect that is demanded of children during this time period, young Elijah easily befriends an unworthy “preacher” who acts peculiar all throughout the novel. In the end, this “preacher” steals money that the hardworking Mr. Leroy earned to buy his family out of slavery. Feeling partly to blame, Elijah willingly sets out on a journey with his friend Mr. Leroy to find the “preacher” and the money he stole. Not long after the journey begins, Mr. Leroy dies of a sudden heart attack, leaving young Elijah in an American city that still believes in slaves. Trying to honor a promise made to Mr. Leroy, Elijah faces problems a child his age should not have to face such as shooting another human, leaving people to die and caring for a young baby. Fortunately for all, Elijah isn’t as “fragile” as everyone thinks.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Curtis’ thorough research of the Buxton settlement is evident in his authentic portrayal of young Elijah’s life. True to a youthful point of view, Elijah’s actions and dialect are not only believable, but convincing. Even though this is a children’s book, Curtis did a wonderful job of recreating the time period and presenting the facts without “sugar-coating” the information. The captured slave family waiting for their return to their owners portrays the hardships of these people during this time period. Through the hardships and trials, the reader watches Elijah stand up for what he believes in and grow from a young, fragile child to a brave, young man. This novel provides an excellent resource for learning about the time period without bogging children down with a plethora of facts and dates.  

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Author Award
Newberry Honor Book

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

TD Children’s Literature Book Award

CLA Book of the Year

Finalist in the Governor General’s Literary Award for Children’s Literature

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW: “Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students can research the Underground Railroad. Have students take a virtual field trip on the Underground Railroad by visiting: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad

*Students can complete a Venn diagram which compares and contrasts Elijah’s life and their own life. Be sure to include fun activities, responsibilities, family, schooling, etc.

*Based on Elijah’s fear of horses and fast travel, lead a discussion to answer the question: “What would Elijah think about means of travel in 2011?”

*Other books by Christopher Paul Curtis:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM - 1963. ISBN 9780440228004

Curtis, Christopher Paul. BUD, NOT BUDDY. ISBN 9780553494105