Historical Fiction Review-ELIJAH OF BUXTON

1. Bibliography
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439023459.

2. Plot Summary
Elijah is the first free black child born in Buxton Settlement in Canada West. His parents and other folks are always on Elijah about being "fra-gile", which in his case means he scares easy, is prone to tears, and is a bit gullible. Curtis paints a vivid picture of life in the settlement and develops Elijah's character along with his family and the inhabitants of Buxton before unraveling the pivotal events in the book. After working hard for many years, a friend of Elijah's, Mr. Leroy, finally has enough money to buy his family out of slavery in America. In his haste, he trusts the wrong man to arrange his family's departure and ends up losing all of his money. After Mr. Leroy dies of a heart attack, Elijah tries to keep his promise of finding his money but instead finds himself face to face with recaptured slaves. In the hopelessness of their existence, Elijah tries to find the courage within himself to make a difference by smuggling their baby back to Buxton and to the freedom the slaves will never know.

3. Critical Analysis
This is a surprisingly profound book on the plight of slaves and newly freed slaves during this time period. It is surprising because the author very wisely eases the reader into heavier subject matter by spending a large part of the book developing characters and using humor and realistic dialog to paint a picture of life in the settlement of Buxton. By the time the action takes place, the reader is already connected to our endearing protagonist, Elijah, who, despite all his good intentions, is often misguided and is blissfully removed from the horrors of slavery. The reader is also familiar enough with the Preacher to be wary and familiar enough with Mr. Leroy to be outraged at the injustice done him. Curtis provides an Author's Note that reflects how much research he put into this story and outlines so many facts that he weaved into this fictitious tale. This novel certainly does not sugar coat the reality of slavery. In fact, the reader may feel that the story stopped short. After all, Mr. Leroy dies, nobody recovers his money and his family remains in slavery, and Elijah cannot save the recaptured slaves. But central to this story is hope and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of tragedy and hopelessness. The most moving dialog in the book is when Elijah has taken the recaptured slaves' baby and is starting to return to Buxton when he overhears the mother and father talking to one another, still in chains and facing the option of returning to slavery or killing themselves with Elijah's gun. They argue affectionately about who will keep the gun and who can make better use of it and then the mother teases:
"'Sides, Mr. Kamua...if you's the mighty African king you's always claiming you is, and you wants this here pistol so bad, why don't you come on over here and take it from me?"
The father replies with a laugh, "I love you, Chloe."
"She said , "Aww, hesh, Kamua, I love you, too."
The humanity and humor in the face of such tragic options and the comfort the slave parents take in knowing their baby has a future is a haunting and moving testament to the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

4. Review Excerpts

Booklist starred review-"Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller."

School Library Journal-"Elijah's decisions along the way are not easy ones, but ultimately lead to a satisfying conclusion. Curtis's talent for dealing with painful periods of history with grace and sensitivity is as strong as ever."

Publisher's Weekly-"The powerful ending is violent and unsettling, yet also manages to be uplifting. "

Newberry Medal Winner

5. Connections
*Could accompany any discussion on slavery
* Could spark a discussion on courage to do the right thing in the face of danger
Other books by Christopher Paul Curtis:
Bud, Not Buddy ISBN 0385323069
Bucking the Sarge ISBN 0440413311
The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963 ISBN 044022800X