BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0763624020
PLOT SUMMARY
Elijah was the first person born into freedom in the town of Buxton. Buxton is a town in Canada that was founded by runaway slaves. His life is pretty dull until someone steals money from his friend, money he had been saving to buy his family out of slavery. Elijah travels across the border to America, into the world of slavery to help his friend. Elijah is shocked by the way slaves are treated and tries to help a group of imprisoned slaves at all costs.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. ELIJAH OF BUXTON. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0763624020
PLOT SUMMARY
Elijah was the first person born into freedom in the town of Buxton. Buxton is a town in Canada that was founded by runaway slaves. His life is pretty dull until someone steals money from his friend, money he had been saving to buy his family out of slavery. Elijah travels across the border to America, into the world of slavery to help his friend. Elijah is shocked by the way slaves are treated and tries to help a group of imprisoned slaves at all costs.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Young readers will be able to connect to Elijah as they read this book. He loves doing anything besides going to school, especially if it involves fishing. He thinks his parent’s are too hard on him, which young readers will definitely identify with.
Young readers will be able to connect to Elijah as they read this book. He loves doing anything besides going to school, especially if it involves fishing. He thinks his parent’s are too hard on him, which young readers will definitely identify with.
This book uses authentic language from the time period which at times is hard to decipher. I feel like this book would be hard to read for anyone who is a struggling reader. The author states at the end that parts of the book have been fictionalized, but a majority of it is based on fact. Curtis sites sources in the back of the book that he used when researching the town of Buxton.
Although the story showed what life was like as a young boy, I feel that it didn’t have enough action to keep the reader’s attention. The story took too long to get to the climax and then it ended very quickly.
REVIEW EXCERPTSCoretta Scott King Award Winner
Newbery Honor Book for 2008.
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.”
CONNECTIONS
*Students can read this book after studying the Underground Railroad to see what happens after the slaves are free
*Have students write a letter to someone describing the town of Buxton and people who live there.
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