Elijah of Buxton Elijah of Buxton . Curtis, Christopher Paul; New York: Scholastic Press, 2007. Grade Level: 6-8 ISBN-13: 978-0-439-023450 ISBN and cost: 0439023459 Paperback , $6.95 Blanket Permission to Reproduce Book Jackets: Used by permission of Publisher |
 |
Synopsis:
Elijah is an 11-year-old boy and first child to be born free in the in Buxton, Canada, a settlement populated by runaway slaves. He learns the harsh realities of slavery when he journeys to America, accompanying his friend, Mr. Leroy, who is attempting to retrieve his money.
General Review:
Once again, Christopher Paul Curtis creates a wonderful coming-of-age story, this time set against the historical background of the real, “free” settlement of Buxton. Curtis' story is reminiscent of Twain's The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn , filled with hilarious to heart-rending events, authentic dialect, memorable supporting characters, and a lovable main character.
Themes: Slavery, Underground Railroad, Freedom, Judging the Content of Character
Author Information:
Discussion Questions: (Standard 3; Benchmark 3)
• What was life like in Buxton?
• Why was Elijah called “fra-gile”? Do you think it's o.k. to be fragile? Why or why not?
• When Mr. Tavis said, “Familiarity breeds contempt,” what did he mean?
• What were some of the lesson, good or bad, Elijah learned from his experiences with the Preacher?
• What do you think will happen to Elijah and Hope when they arrive at Buxton?
Activity Suggestions:
• Draw a Venn diagram. Compare and contrast the lives of slaves to the free African-Americans in Buxton. (Standard 5, Benchmark 3)
• Fold a sheet of paper in half twice, and then, open it. Label each quad as follows: Elijah, Cooter, Mr. Leroy, Preacher (or use alternate characters). In each square, write what you think that character would say about Elijah and why. (For example: In the square, labeled Elijah, you would write what Elijah thinks about himself.) (Standard 2, Benchmark 4)
• Pa makes the same speech to all runaway slaves who make it to freedom in Buxton, pgs 164-165. Write a short speech that you would give to newly arrived slaves, welcoming them to the freedom of Buxton. (Standard 3, Benchmark 4)
• Illustrate an event from the story. (Standard 3, Benchmark 4)
Further Reading:
• The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
• Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry
• Biographies: Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass
Other Resources:
• http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/
• http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/northern-star/index-e.html
