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Product Description
From Booklist
*Starred Review* After his mother rebukes him for screaming that hoop snakes have invaded Buxton, gullible 11-year-old Elijah confesses to readers that "there ain't nothing in the world she wants more than for me to quit being so doggone fra-gile." Inexperienced and prone to mistakes, yet kind, courageous, and understanding, Elijah has the distinction of being the first child born in the Buxton Settlement, which was founded in Ontario in 1849 as a haven for former slaves. Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton's residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Buxton and, quite possibly, out of his depth. In the author's note, Curtis relates the difficulty of tackling the subject of slavery realistically through a child's first-person perspective. Here, readers learn about conditions in slavery at a distance, though the horrors become increasingly apparent. Among the more memorable scenes are those in which Elijah meets escaped slaves—first, those who have made it to Canada and, later, those who have been retaken by slave catchers. Central to the story, these scenes show an emotional range and a subtlety unusual in children's fiction. 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. Phelan, Carolyn
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Book Description
Master storyteller Christopher Paul Curtis lends his trademark humour and vibrant narrative style to the gripping tale of eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman. The first child born into freedom in Buxton, Ontario, a settlement of runaway slaves just over the border from Detroit, Elijah is best known in his hometown as the boy who threw up on Frederick Douglass. Not on purpose, of course he was just a baby then! But things change when a former slave calling himself the Right Reverend Zephariah W. Connerly the Third steals money from Elijah's friend Mr. Leroy, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the South. Elijah joins Mr. Leroy on a dangerous journey to America in pursuit of the disreputable preacher, and he discovers firsthand the unimaginable horrors of the life his parents have fled a life from which he'll always be free, if he can find the courage to get back home. Exciting yet evocative, heart-wrenching yet hilarious, Elijah of Buxton is Christopher Paul Curtis at his very best and it's an unforgettable testament to the power of hope.
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Most helpful customer reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Emotional Book,
By
This review is from: Elijah of Buxton (Hardcover)
This book tells a tale of pioneer life in Ontario during the year 1859. But these are not your ordinary pioneers. Buxton is a Black Settlement, inhabited mostly by escaped slaves from the Southern United States. This is a warm, touching and humorous look at the day-to-day life of these people as they adjust and learn to lead a life of freedom. The escapades of the main character, Elijah, reminded me of the "Great Brain" books and I laughed out loud many times. But alongside this new life of freedom we also witness the horrors of slavery and the mind boggles at the reality of it. I cried with tears of joy when newly escaped slaves arrived to the settlement. I was stupefied at the inhumanity as free-born Elijah travels to Michigan and witnesses slaves in chains. I felt proud of my country when I learned that Canada was once called the 'land of milk and honey' and 'the land of the free'. This is an emotional book. I highly recommend this book to both Canadians and Americans as a part of our combined history.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
What an outstanding writer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
By TJ (Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Elijah of Buxton (Hardcover)
Adults would do well to read this award winning children's author's works.......he consistently creates memorable characters and stories and he has singlehandedly added to the body of black literature with his award winning junior/intermediate level novels. Curtis has an uncanny sense of the history, the language and the speech patterns of the blacks who were enslaved and those who may have sought freedom in Canada via the underground railroad.Elijah of Buxton indeed has hints of John D. Fitzgerald's "Great Brain" series but this is more gripping-it reminded me of Paula Fox's heartbreaker, The Slave Dancer-I actually was flipping ahead to find out how a particular adventure turned out. It's not often a writer this gifted comes along-winning two Newberry awards for his previous fiction as well as as a Newberry "Honor" award for this one. Read his three fine books in conjunction with The Slave Dancer and then another fine Canadian author's debut novel, Rush Home Road by Lori Larsens, and you will have a wholly satisfying experience. You'll develop a greater respect for children's literature and a greater awareness of the horror and effects of slavery. Most of all you'll want to read more about the brave champions of freedom, those who risked all for the underground railroad.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding story - made me want more!,
By School Reader (British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Elijah of Buxton (Paperback)
This book is an excellent read. Even though I knew all about the Underground Railroad and the history of slavery, the author created a very breathtaking, personal connection for this reader. After reading this for school, I read the Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill and other books and materials, some that also touch on the the idea that Canada was not always that great in their reception and ongoing support of the escaped slaves. A thought-provoking book, well-written and hard to put down!
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