Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Humor, Freedom, Coming of Age, Courage, Friendship
Grade Level: 6-8
Curricular Connections: Social Studies (Buxton, Ontario starting 1849), Literature (Author Study, Compare Other Books by Author)

Elijah is constantly being told by his mother that he is too fragile. This may be because of incidents like when Elijah comes running home screaming afraid a hoop snake might bite him, a practical joke he is gullible enough to believe. Elijah tells of other humorous adventures he and his friend Cooter get involved with, but his biggest claim to fame is that he is the first born free African American in the settlement of Buxton, established in Ontario in 1849. The story takes a more serious turn when Elijah's friend, Mr. Leroy, gives his life savings to a smooth talking, self-serving man who calls himself, The Preacher, to purchase his family out of slavery in the United States. Several days later, Mr. Leroy realizes his money has been stolen, and he asks Elijah to go to Michigan with him to track down the preacher and get back his money. While there, Elijah, who has heard the horrors of slavery, is able to see some of these horrors first hand. He finds several slaves shackled in a barn who were caught by slave catchers just before crossing into Canada. Although Elijah courageously attempts to free them, he is only able to take the baby of the female slave back to Buxton.

Related Works: The Watson's Go to Birmingham, Bud, Not Buddy

Classroom Suggestions:

1. Have students research the author Christopher Paul Curtis and perhaps read several other books by this author. Have them write a short paper discussing the connections and similar themes between the books they read and the author's life and experiences.

2. Students can research the first free settlement of Buxton in Ontaria established in 1849. Have them present their findings in power point presentations including interesting facts, stories, pictures, and other interesting material.