Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, C. P. (2007). Elijah of buxton. New York: Scholastic.

Summary
Elijah was the first free-born in the Canadian Elgin Settlement and Buxton Mission of Raleigh. In this coming of age story, Elijah begins to understand the true meaning of being an adult and the burden of responsibility. Mr. Leroy has just accumulated enough money to buy his wife and children back from their American slave owners. However, when the “Preacher” steals his money, Mr. Leroy goes to Detroit for his blood. Taking Elijah with him, Elijah must face his fears and use his heart to do what’s right.

Advisory Information

-Themes
a. Coming of Age: Throughout the story, Elijah is described as being fragile. It is not until the end of the novel that Elijah realizes what being fragile truly is.

b. Slavery: This book emphasizes the extent to which slavery robbed people of their identity as well as their mind. This is shown through Mr. Leroy, Chloe, and even the family who hide in the tree.

c. Freedom: Freedom is a reoccurring theme throughout the novel and not just in terms of physical freedom. Elijah’s upbringing and education is a means of emancipation especially when contrasted with some of the adults in Buxton as well as Chloe.

d. Hope: Hope is one of the main themes of this novel. For many Elijah and the children born in Buxton represent the hope of their parents to have a better life. Buxton itself and the freedom bell also represent hope. Lastly, the young baby, Hope, can also be seen as hope for Elijah – his own example of hope in a world which is not as calm as it once seemed.

-Age Recommendation
Due to the writing style, themes, and descriptions of slave treatment, I would recommend this book for intermediate readers aged 8 – 12.

-Other Information
Elijah of Buxton is historical fiction, and is based upon the actual settlement of Buxton in Canada. Christopher Paul Curtis does include an Author’s Note which goes into further detail about his intentions in writing this novel, as well as the historical truths of Elijah’s story.

Elijah of Buxton is the winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor Book for 2008.

Reaction

Curtis’ writing style is one of the best I’ve read for Children’s Fiction. Elijah of Buxton is told in such a way that readers are drawn into the language and descriptions of the story. Elijah’s character is endearing and Curtis challenges his readers to understand some of the more difficult social and political issues during the 19th century. This novel’s characterization and narrative techniques were similar to Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in that Elijah’s experiences and thought process guide the reader to greater insights. Highly recommended.

Christopher Paul Curtis on Elijah of Buxton


Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GdevJ6jjHI