Elijah of Buxton by award-winning author Christopher Paul Curtis is a powerful work of historical fiction set in 1859.
Elijah Freeman, the first child born free in the settlement of Buxton, Canada, grows up surrounded by formerly enslaved people who escaped via the Underground Railroad. Though Elijah is seen as “fra-gile” and sometimes overly cautious, he learns what true courage means when he sets out on a dangerous journey to help recover stolen money intended to buy another family’s freedom.
 
With humor, heart, and unforgettable storytelling, Curtis brings to life both the innocence of childhood and the harsh realities of slavery and freedom. A Newbery Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Award winner, Elijah of Buxton is a must-read for students, families, and anyone seeking stories of resilience, justice, and hope.
 
🎯 Perfect For
Classrooms studying slavery, the Underground Railroad, and African American history
Readers of Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963
Middle grade and young adult fans of historical fiction
Book clubs exploring justice, freedom, and personal growth
💡 Why You’ll Love It
Written by Newbery Medalist Christopher Paul Curtis
Balances humor with weighty historical themes
Strong character growth in Elijah’s journey from innocence to courage
Provides an accessible entry point for young readers into slavery and freedom narratives
A multi-award-winning book frequently taught in schools