Summary
Elijah of Buxton is a critically acclaimed 2007 children's novel by Christopher Paul Curtis. Set in a Canadian settlement for escaped slaves, the book follows 11-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton. This historical fiction masterpiece garnered numerous accolades, including a Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Award. Curtis's trademark humor and compelling storytelling shine through in this powerful exploration of freedom, courage, and the horrors of slavery.
Plot
Set in 1859, Elijah of Buxton follows the story of 11-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada—a settlement of escaped slaves. Elijah, known for his “fragile” nature and tendency to be “fra-gile,” leads a relatively carefree life in the settlement, unaware of the horrors of slavery his parents and neighbors escaped.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when a former slave named Preacher steals money from Elijah's friend Mr. Leroy, who had been saving to buy his family out of slavery. Determined to help, Elijah embarks on a dangerous journey across the border into America to track down Preacher and recover the stolen funds.
During his perilous adventure, Elijah encounters the brutal realities of slavery firsthand. He witnesses the unimaginable conditions and treatment of enslaved people, experiences fear and danger, and ultimately faces difficult moral choices. The young boy's journey becomes not just a quest to retrieve stolen money, but also a profound awakening to the value of freedom and the courage required to stand up against injustice.
Themes
Coming of age and self-discovery
Freedom versus slavery
The power of community and family
Courage and heroism in the face of adversity
The impact of historical events on individuals
The importance of education and knowledge
The complexities of racial identity and prejudice
Setting
Set in 1859, Elijah of Buxton takes place during a pivotal era in North American history. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Underground Railroad and the ongoing struggle for freedom by enslaved African Americans. This historical context provides a rich tapestry for the novel's exploration of identity, courage, and the meaning of liberty.
The primary setting is Buxton, Canada, a real-life settlement established in 1849 as a refuge for former slaves who escaped to freedom. Located just north of the American border, Buxton serves as a stark contrast to the United States, where slavery remains a brutal reality. The settlement represents hope and new beginnings for its inhabitants, who have risked everything for a chance at a better life.
As the story progresses, it briefly shifts to the United States when Elijah embarks on his dangerous journey. This change in setting allows the author to vividly illustrate the stark differences between life in free Canada and the oppressive conditions still prevalent in pre-Civil War America. Through Elijah's eyes, readers experience the tension and fear that permeated the lives of African Americans in the American South, highlighting the profound significance of Buxton as a sanctuary of freedom.
Characters
Elijah Freeman: The 11-year-old protagonist and first freeborn child in Buxton. He is known for being “fra-gile” and easily moved to tears.
Ma and Pa: Elijah's parents, former slaves who escaped to Canada.
Mr. Leroy: A resident of Buxton, who is saving money to buy his family out of slavery.
The Preacher: The community's spiritual leader who often gets into arguments with Elijah.
Mrs. Holton: The strict school teacher in Buxton.
Cooter: Elijah's best friend in Buxton.
Mr. Segee: The stablemaster who teaches Elijah about horses.
The Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Zephariah Connerly the Third: A con man who steals from Mr. Leroy.
Mrs. Chloe: An elderly resident of Buxton who helps look after Elijah.
Hope: A young girl Elijah encounters during his journey to America.
Quick facts
Elijah of Buxton is set in 1859 in Buxton, Canada, a real-life settlement for freed slaves.
Christopher Paul Curtis devoted more than five years to researching and writing the novel.
The main character, Elijah, is the first free-born child in the Buxton settlement.
While the story is fictional, it accurately portrays life in the Buxton settlement and the realities of slavery in the United States during that time period.
Frederick Douglass makes a cameo appearance as a character in the story.
Curtis based some of Elijah's experiences on his own childhood in Flint, Michigan.
Elijah of Buxton won the 2008 Coretta Scott King Award and the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. It was also a Newbery Honor book.
The novel explores themes of freedom, courage, and coming-of-age.
Curtis incorporated authentic 19th-century African American dialect into the narrative.
The book's cover art was created by illustrator Shane W. Evans.
A companion novel, The Madman of Piney Woods, was published in 2014.
About the Author
Christopher Paul Curtis is an acclaimed American children's book author, born in 1953 in Flint, Michigan. After working for 13 years on an assembly line at General Motors, Curtis found his calling as a writer. His debut novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963, published in 1995, catapulted him to literary stardom, earning numerous awards including the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor.
Curtis's second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, cemented his status as a preeminent voice in children's literature. Published in 1999, it made history by winning both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award—the first book to achieve this feat. He went on to write a total of eight novels for young readers, including Elijah of Buxton and The Mighty Miss Malone. His works often explore historical events and settings, encouraging young readers to engage with the past while connecting it to their present. In addition, Curtis draws inspiration from his family history and experiences growing up in Flint, infusing his stories with authentic portrayals of African American life and tackling serious themes with humor and sensitivity.
Curtis frequently visits schools and communities, sharing his experiences and inspiring the next generation of readers and writers. Through his Nobody but Curtis Foundation, the author works to improve literacy levels among children in North America and Africa.
