Thursday, April 15, 2010

Elijah of Buxton

The first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada, 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 fled — a life from which he'll always be free, if he can find the courage to go back home.


Christopher Paul Curtis has written a heart warming, historically acurate novel with humor and sensitivity.  Some young readers may have trouble with the slang. I look forward to reading more of Christopher's books. Elijah of Buxton is the winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor Book for 2008.

6 comments:

fredamans said...

I love the cover!! Looks fun!! I'm not abashed by slang either, so would read this book, and probably enjoy it!

Beth F said...

Thanks! This is one I'll keep in mind for gift-giving to the little ones I know.

Blodeuedd said...

Nice review, sounds like a good one

nomadreader said...

I read The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963, but I wasn't a huge fan of it. I am curious enough to try to read more of his books, and this one sounds like a good prospect. Thanks!

Staci said...

I love this author...just wish that his speaking fees weren't so expensive...would love to have him come to our school!

Shelley said...

I loved Bud, Not Buddy by this author. For some reason the first thing that comes to mind about it is oatmeal! I would love to read this one, it sounds good.

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