Elijah of Buxton

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Pual Curtis

In the Newberry Medal winning story, Elijah of Buxton, Elijah is a cowardly eleven year old living in a free settlement in Canada. He is the first child born free in the settlement of Buxton. During the celebration Elijah Freeman threw up on Fredrick Douglas, who was considered to be the smartest man who had ever escaped from slavery. Elijah is an excellent worker and fisher, but is very afraid of snakes and other simple things in life. The preacher, who carries around a pistol everywhere he goes, says that his talent of fishing is a true gift from above. When Mr. Leroy, who is a friend of Elijah's, earns enough money to buy his family out of slavery, the preacher, who was thought to have been a friend, steals his money. Elijah sets off and crosses the American border into Michigan to hunt the preacher down and get Mr. Leroy's money back.
Although the story progresses slowly, and younger readers may become bored very quickly, Christopher Paul Curtis does a great job at introducing almost everybody in Buxton. He makes you feel like your right in the story, experiencing everything the main character (Elijah) goes through and all of his adventures. This was the best book I have ever read, thank you Christopher Paul Curtis.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Entertaining nonstop adventure

Elijah of Buxton is a hero for youngsters of all ages. Elijah of Buxton is laugh out loud humor and powerful history combined in one book. Christopher Paul Curtis has written another powerful story to make us understand history clearer. Mr. Curtis is able to bring the characters to life with each page. You can feel the joy and pain the slaves, freedmen and former slaves feel in the style Mr. Curtis writes. I recommend this book to all teachers for the classroom, history buffs and avid readers.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly Recommended

Great book for summer reading

I am conflicted...

Chrisopher Paul Curtis writes such amazing books, and this one really isn't any different, except that it's more like two books. The first 200 pages or so read like humorous and heartwarming stories in the life of Elijah, the first child born in the settlement of runaway slaves of Buxton in Canada. In this chapter, he learns this lesson, in this chapter he does this, etc. It's all very cute, but I began to wonder where the author was going with it... Then the real book starts, and I could not bring myself to put the book down after that. Elijah travels over to Michigan on a mission and learns some hard truths. Wow, what an ending. I recommend this book only for the second half of the book, because I worry that the first half of the book might lose some younger readers. I really believe that had this book been more cohesive, it would have won the Newbery instead of the Newbery Honor.

great read for kids

Newbery winning author Christopher Paul Curtis has written 2 of my favorite historical novels, "Bud, Not Buddy" and now "Elijah of Buxton". I'd recommend both these books to anyone, but especially to kids aged 8-12.Elijah is a free-born boy growing up in the real town of Buxton, Ontario, a place where former slaves lived in relative safety before the Civil War. When a thief steals the money intended to buy a slave family's freedom, Elijah sets off in pursuit to get the money back. On his journey, he must avoid bounty hunters looking for runaway slaves to take back to the US. Determined to do the right thing, Elijah is optimistic, resourseful, and very brave.

Very Slow!!

It's a well written story;except, it would only mean something if it urged you to finish the book. I was unable to complete this book because the plot was very sluggish and boring. not a recommended book for people who want some excitement.

Amazing!!!

Elijah of Buxton is a great combination of historical fiction and humor. The book tells the story of a cowardly boy growing up and facing his fears. Elijah is the first child born free in the town of Buxton. Elijah doesn't truly understand what his position means to the town until he faces his many obstacles. The adventures Elijah faces are funny, scaring, and heartbreaking. This book is amazing.

Amazing Ending! You will not be able to put this book down!

The characters in this book are so well developed you'll feel like you know them. The book slows somewhat in the middle, but hang in there. The ending is absolutely incredible. And get your tissues. Thank you, Christopher Paul Curtis, for this brillant piece of work.

Another piece of history, well told

My son loves this author and really enjoyed the book.
Although is was a difficult time to think about, I think the lesson needs to continue for each generation. Freedom was not easily earned, but so precious.

Elijah of Buxton - Great read aloud, slow developing plot, fantastic overall story.

Elijah of Buxton is the first freeborn child of Buxton a settlement on Lake Erie in Canada created by escaped slaves in the mid 1800's. Elijah tells the story of his ordinary life who his momma is continually telling him that he is too frag - ile. However, as we travel with him as he does his chores, does odd jobs in the settlement, interacts with the characters that have become central in his life, and of course going to school we find that Elijah is not an ordinary boy at all. He has a gift of story telling and creative exaggeration with explanations that achieve and surpass the best metaphors and similes penned by even the classic tall tale authors of all times. While the literary style and tone is expertly done with subtle events and happenings being wove together for a powerful climax the plot is agonizingly slow moving. The first chapters are more like short stories tied together with the passing of time and Elijah's struggle for recognition as an adult as his values and character is discovered by the reader. It might be a good read aloud, but I wonder how many young readers will maintain enough interest to read through most of the book. It isn't until the reader is closing in on the end that the plot finally unfolds a multi chapter event with enough excitement to propel the reader to a compelling ending. An ending that can only be achieved by a character who has gained enough insight into the complicated decisions of an adult world and a reader that has gained insight into the complications of slavery in the United States in the 1860's.

Elijah of Buxton

Elijah of Buxton by Christiopher Paul Curtis is a story filled with life lessons and lots of laughs. Elijah an eleven year old boy is the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada. The story follows Elijah's adventures, mischief, and life lessons that are learned along the way.

This book would be a great book to share in the classroom because its about a topic that isn't discussed much. I found myself wanting and worrying about what would happen to next to this "fragile" boy.

Make Your Students on the Edge of Their Seats!

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis is a very exciting historical fiction children¿s book that teachers should have in their classrooms because this book will just grab the students¿ attention. Not only would students and teachers enjoy reading this book, but parents or adults would as well. I loved the adventure, suspense, humor, and character development throughout. There are a variety of emotions which Curtis is trying to portray from the beginning chapter starting out being very fun and exciting, and then later chapters there is more details plus the tone is more serious. I enjoyed seeing the different interactions between the characters; this set a great mood for the story. Sure, Elijah gets into mischief and goes on adventures but what is key for this book is that he learns life lessons along the way.

I would recommend this book¿s target audience to be 6th through 8th graders because of the content this book provides. The students are able to learn about the conditions of slavery and its after affects, as well as how Elijah¿s experience with an escaped slave. Another reason why it would be appropriate for older students is because of the dialect Curtis used. This slang can be difficult to read and understand for a younger audience.

All in all, I believe readers would enjoy this book because of the different emotions, language, as well as how this how this book is written to describe slavery. Traditionally, not many authors write like this, so readers will be on the edge of their seats from cover to cover.

'Life Lessons'

Elijah of Buxton, written by Christopher Paul Curtiss is yet another life lesson for children. This book is about Elijah Freeman the first free person born on the Settlement of Canada West. According to his mother, Elijah is a 'fragile' boy who she says needs to find courage and strength in order to survive in this world.

Elijah is a young boy who likes to go fishing, he is great at 'fish chunking'. Him and his best friend Cooter have a lot of adventures that sometimes get them into trouble, but these adventures are great life experiences that teacher them great lessons.

Elijah of Buxton is a story about a boy's self-realization and love, mixed with a lot of humor that all children will enjoy! This book will help children overcome their own fears being engrossed in the life of Elijah.

Not Bad

Elijah and his family live in Buxton, Canada - just across Lake Erie from Detroit. Elijah's mother has always called him "fra-gile", and this is his story of out-growing that name.
I enjoyed this story and the point of view as told from the young man. I did have trouble with some of the language - the way the author wrote as he imagined the people spoke - and some terminology. I spent the first few chapters wondering what a truck patch was. Additionly, the Preacher was quite violent in his speaking (blowing his brains out) and quite a swindler when it came to Elijah paying tithing with his freshly caught fish. But those things aside - I spent the book cheering for this boy out in the big bad world. I would recommend it.

Curtis Writes Another Great One!

Christopher Paul Curtis writes another great story full of love and humor. This is a story about Elijah an eleven year old boy born in Buxton Canada a community of former slaves. He was the first child in the community born free.

Elijah and his best friend Cooter go on many adventures and get into trouble together. This includes a huge misunderstanding when they misread something on the blackboard. The town Preacher tries to get Elijah to join the circus. They also come across escaped slaves and welcome them to the town.

Throughout the story you can see Elijah mature into a fine young man. He proves this toward the end of the story when he travels across the river into Detroit. He and Mr. Leroy are in search of a thief. Here he comes across a family of runaway slaves that have been captures. He vows to take the woman¿s baby back to Buxton.

The book is written they way a boy in this community would talk which add to the humor of the story. It was the kind of book your students were anxious to be read from each day. There are times where you will laugh out loud and times you will be holding back tears. A great read that kids love!

Worthy of the Awards

Christopher Paul Curtis' latest masterpiece is truly worthy of the awards it has received. The story of young Elijah Freeman made me laugh and cry.

Elijah is the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada. The novel takes the reader through daily life in the settlement for a frag-ile child tryin' to be grown.

While it took me a few chapters to get into the book, I was soon absorbed in the story. The writing is full of humor and everything is seen through Elijah's eyes. By the time I reached the last page I was left wanting more!

Jasmyn Vason- Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

This book was about the life lessons of a young, fragile African American boy, who is set out on a mission to fulfill a friend¿s dying wish. His friend had been saving money to buy his family out of slavery in the South, but the money gets stolen. So, he heads out on a perilous journey to fulfill his friend¿s wish of catching the thief. Along the way, Elijah experiences the terrible horrors of slavery and wonders if he will have the bravery to come back home.

I really enjoyed this book in some areas. I liked how the text of the book was written in the time frame of the narrator¿s language. It made me feel the true effect of the story during that time. I liked the way the story taught real-life lessons in certain situations. It made me realize, as a young person, why things are to be done a certain way. One important lesson I learned was that you have to see things the way they are and not the way you wish them to be. That stuck with me throughout the rest of the book. I liked the way the author used different words to depict the scenery of the book, so that the reader could visualize the setting clearly. I also liked the main character, Elijah, because throughout all the life lessons he learned, he learned a very valuable one at a young age. He learned how to be courageous. I learned that it does not take a big person to be brave, but it takes a big heart instead. I admired Elijah¿s parents because they taught him the foundation of courage.

However, I disliked this book in certain areas. I did not like the fact that it reached to almost the end of the book before the main plot actually began. I believe that the story was written backwards in a way because of that. The plot was not even introduced throughout the beginning and the middle of the book. I felt like all the other events before the plot was irrelevant to the main plot too. Some of the things that happened before then were not even interesting.

'Fra-gile Elijah'

Elijah of Buxton (2007) by Christopher Paul Curtis is the story of a young boy who is struggling to understand himself and his world. Elijah is the first African child born free in a Canadian settlement of former slaves, Buxton. When forced to face slavery and its atrocities for the first time, Elijah must overcome his own fears and make decisions that a grown up would have trouble reaching. To be honest, I had a really hard time judging this book. The book starts out with humorous episodes to help the reader understand Elijah's background. Then as the story progresed, I found myself dreading to see what would happen next! I wanted to be able to tell Elijah not to make the choices that were leading to danger. Overall, Curtis does the town of Buxton justice in relating its history through Elijah's story.

John

Amazing. This is the best of Christophers books. About the only Book that he has wrote that compares is Bud,Not buddy. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to laugh a little.

Birth of a Classic

Newbery Medal winner Christopher Paul Curtis' latest novel chronicles a young boy's amazing journey into manhood, leaving readers laughing and crying along the way. The first few chapters are deceptive- I laughed so much that I doubted whether I would ever get to the 'real' issues at hand for the eleven year old protagonist, Elijah. Reminiscient of Tom Sawyer, Elijah is immediately likable because of his frank observations of adult behavior and his own pranks in response to their rigid behavioral guidelines. After falling in love with Elijah and his antics, readers are made aware of the significance of his life: he is the first free African American born in Buxton, a real-life settlement in Canada that was home to run away slaves in the 1800's. As Elijah struggles to prove to his parents that he is becoming a man (he struggles to shake the 'fragile' image he has had as a child), he learns valuable lessons about his own conscience. Throughout his page-turning adventures, he learns, from some very interesting characters, lessons about doing and saying what is right, even when it means doing something he doesn't necessarily want to do. Elijah has some hilarious discussions with himself that will draw young readers into his plight. Once Curtis hooks readers with humor, the author teaches valuable lessons about cultural identity, maturity, parent/child relationships, and the one that Elijah struggles with most often- when to speak, and when to be silent. The first person point of view offers readers a young boy's insight into the painful world of slavery, and will help children explore the issue without the guilt of ignorance. Elijah himself is ignorant, being born into a free country and having only heard stories of slavery that seemed foreign to him, and asks questions born of innocence: What difference does a border make? How can a person be free on one side and enslaved on another? Why don't they all just run away? Unfortunately for Elijah, the the answers to these questions come in shocking ways he never expected. elijah's journey offers social awareness with a hopeful outlook. I highly recommend this book for children age 10 and older. This would be an excellent introduction to so many topics- maturation, moral dilema, social consciousness, history of slavery and the Underground Railroad in America (real life abolitionist Frederick Douglas is a prominent figure in Elijah's life), and too many developmental issues to name. I would love to see this book make it to the reading list for middle schoolers it would be perfect for Language Arts and/or Social Studies. As an experienced teacher, I am confident that all readers would enjoy this one- it's too funny, too clever, and too exciting not to.