Module 1 Book Reviews: An Introduction to Children and Their Literature

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Winner of the 2008 Newbery Medal
Winner of the 2008 Coretta Scott King Author Award

Bibliography
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. Ill. by Carlyn Beccia. New York, NY. Scholastic. ISBN-13: 978-0-439-02344-3.

Plot Summary
A young boy is raised in freedom by former slave parents in Buxton, Canada. In search of a man who stole money meant to free more slaves, he crosses over the American border and for the first time in his life encounters the human cost of slavery.

Critical Analysis
An impressionble and somewhat naive 11 year old boy named Elijah spends his days riding a mule named Flapjack, fishing with rocks, working in a stable, and going to school and church. His life of Canadian freedom is far different from the childhood of slavery that his parents knew in the US. Most of the residents of Buxton are former slaves and Elijah often hears talk of the inhumanities they suffered during those years, yet it's difficult for Elijah to appreciate the horrors and hardships his relatives and neighbors have overcome. It isn't until a crooked preacher known for his unusual shenanigans steals money meant to buy freedom for another man's family that Elijah begins his true educational journey. When he finds himself alone in the US in pursuit of the thief, he looks inside himself for the strength to help captured slaves by carrying the smallest one, a tiny infant, back to the freedoms of Buxton. Elijah captures the hearts of readers - through comical childhood pranks, sincerity of thought, and growing pains. But as bravery and a well-grounded sense of right and wrong determine his actions in a very scary situation, Elijah's triumphant rite of passage is the clincher that will keep readers coming back for years to come.

Review Excerpts
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "This is Curtis' best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, 'This is one of the best books I have ever read.'"
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "From the author of award winners, The Watsons go to Birmingham 1963 and Bud, not Buddy, comes another novel with heart and meaning wrapped in rollicking humor. "

Connections
Curtis has written several award winners:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM. ISBN-13: 9780440228004.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. BUD, NOT BUDDY. ISBN-13: 9780553494105.