1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439023440
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Eleven year old Elijah was the first child born free in Buxton Canada, the son of former slaves. He is blessed with the opportunities of a good education and a free life. Yet, he has one problem; his mother wants nothing more than for him to quit being so doggone fra-gile. Elijah felt that being growned didn’t make a whole lot of sense. That was until Elijah finds himself in a horrible situation where he must unearth the strength and courage not to be so fragile and do the right thing.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Christopher Paul Curtis has written a historical fiction novel that delves into the issues of slavery, community, and the cost of freedom. His protagonist, Elijah, is a sweet compassionate boy who struggles with similar issues that children face today. Elijah feels his teacher is boring, he doesn’t think adults are very “sensical,” and he just desires for his family to see how responsible and grown up he is.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439023440
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Eleven year old Elijah was the first child born free in Buxton Canada, the son of former slaves. He is blessed with the opportunities of a good education and a free life. Yet, he has one problem; his mother wants nothing more than for him to quit being so doggone fra-gile. Elijah felt that being growned didn’t make a whole lot of sense. That was until Elijah finds himself in a horrible situation where he must unearth the strength and courage not to be so fragile and do the right thing.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Christopher Paul Curtis has written a historical fiction novel that delves into the issues of slavery, community, and the cost of freedom. His protagonist, Elijah, is a sweet compassionate boy who struggles with similar issues that children face today. Elijah feels his teacher is boring, he doesn’t think adults are very “sensical,” and he just desires for his family to see how responsible and grown up he is.
Curtis is an excellent storyteller. Each character adds a glimpse into this small town life. I empathized with the characters, rejoiced with them, and mourned with them. Through Curtis' writing I was also able to participate in the celebration of those few who were fortunate to have found freedom. I loved the imagery of words written when Pa said, “Look at that land! Look at them trees! Has y’all ever seen anything that precious? It’s the land of the free! Now look at you’selves! Look at ‘em babies! Has y’all ever looked this beautiful? Today be the first day don’t no one own y’all but y’all.” As you read those words you can feel the joy, sense the elation that the price of freedom bought them. You can imagine the sense of danger, fear, and anguish their bodies felt from the journey as well as the joy and weeping at the discovery that they were truly standing on free land. Curtis dealt with the sensitive issue of slavery by showing the sad injustice and inhumane ways that slaves were treated while also celebrating the victories of freedom.
At the end of the book Curtis offers a synopsis of how this wonderful story came to life. He talks about Buxton Canada, how the town thrived, and explains the story of the liberty bell. It is a truly brilliantly written book that will touch your heart.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Award
Booklist: 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.
Horn Book: This arresting, surprising novel of reluctant heroism is about nothing less than nobility.
Kirkus Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read.
5. CONNECTIONS
* Research the history of Buxton Canada.
*Have students creatively write what happened when Elijah returned home from Michigan with the baby.
*Discuss the injustices of slavery.
Other related books:
Levine, Ellen. Henry’s Freedom Box. ISBN: 043977733X
Stowe, Harriet. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. ISBN: 068985126X
Weatherford, Carole. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. ISBN 0786851759
At the end of the book Curtis offers a synopsis of how this wonderful story came to life. He talks about Buxton Canada, how the town thrived, and explains the story of the liberty bell. It is a truly brilliantly written book that will touch your heart.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Award
Booklist: 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.
Horn Book: This arresting, surprising novel of reluctant heroism is about nothing less than nobility.
Kirkus Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read.
5. CONNECTIONS
* Research the history of Buxton Canada.
*Have students creatively write what happened when Elijah returned home from Michigan with the baby.
*Discuss the injustices of slavery.
Other related books:
Levine, Ellen. Henry’s Freedom Box. ISBN: 043977733X
Stowe, Harriet. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. ISBN: 068985126X
Weatherford, Carole. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. ISBN 0786851759
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