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kim_j_dare's review against another edition
4.0
Gr 4-8-Eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman has two claims to fame: he was the first free black to have been born in Buxton, an actual settlement in Canada established in 1849 by the abolitionist Reverend William King; and, during his infancy, he threw up all over the visiting Frederick Douglass. Elijah is an engaging protagonist, and whether he is completing his chores or lamenting his Latin studies or experiencing his first traveling carnival, his descriptions are full of charm and wonder. Although his colloquial language may prove challenging for some readers, it brings an authenticity and richness to the story that is well worth the extra effort that it might require. While some of the neighbors believe Elijah to be rather simple, and even his mother tends to overprotect her "fra-gile" boy, his true character shines out when a disaster occurs in the close community. Elijah's neighbor, Mr. Leroy, has been saving money for years to buy freedom for his wife and children who are still in the U.S. When this money is stolen, Elijah blames himself for inadvertently helping the thief and, risking capture by slave catchers, crosses the border into Detroit to get it back. His guileless recounting of the people he meets and the horrors he sees will allow readers to understand the dangers of the Underground Railroad without being overwhelmed by them. 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.-Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
librarylandlisa's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great book! I loved getting into the vernacular and hearing this story which might have happened over 150 years ago, but occurred within driving distance of where I live now. This made me add "visit Buxton Settlement in Canada" to my wish list of local day trips.
sereia8's review against another edition
4.0
Another home run for Christopher Paul Curtis. His writing wrenches the heart and brings a chuckle at the same time. This is a coming-of-age story about Elijah, the first boy born free at the end of the underground railroad in Canada. It definitely deserved the Newbery Honor Award.
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
5.0
My head hurts from crying so much, but the book was good.
opalchainsaw's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
annagonzalez26's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mrsbrharris's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the ending. I wasn't really involved with the main character, but it was an easy read so I kept going. I was surprised by how much freedom meant, even more than keeping their families together. I liked that it was based on a true story.
coleycole's review against another edition
4.0
With no plot to speak of for the first two-thirds of the book, it is a bit of a slow starter. Nonetheless, I enjoyed Curtis' extensive set-up of the town, a Canadian settlement of free slaves. It's an interesting world to explore -- the end notes about Buxton are pretty fascinating as well. I loved Elijah's voice, and his worry-wart tendencies. It's nice to meet a main-character who cries easily and isn't brave, though he eventually turns out to be. When the plot does finally emerge, it takes off at high speed.
harry_p0tter_enjoyer1357's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aholeistodig's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing, but there's no reason I should be at all surprised--Curtis demonstrated with Watsons that he has this crazy talent for building a hilarious AND moving AND personal story, and creating an honest and believable voice, and somehow making it all really meaningful in the context of our country's history--and with Elijah he's done no less.