Bibliographical information:

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic, 2007.

2008 Newberry Honor Book

Brief summary:

Elijah lives in Buxton, Canada, a  settlement of runaway slaves across the border from Detroit. The first child born in Buxton, he is famous for having thrown up on Frederick Douglass as Douglass held him overhead during an oration. The novel intertwines Elijah's efforts to put this event behind him with his efforts to help an adult friend regain money that has been stolen from him--money that he had hoped to use to purchase the freedom of his wife and children.

Comments:

The novel is beautifully written, and the characters are richly developed. The novel also offers readers access to an important aspect of history.

Grade/Age level:

Grades 5-8

Cautions:

Frightening events are described in this book, both in accounts of slavery and more generally. Parents and teachers should be prepared to address questions about slavery and about racism.

If you like this book, you might also like . . .

Gary D Schmidt, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

--Lisa Gordis

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