Michigan Books: Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Elijah of Buxton was written by Christopher Paul Curtis and published by Scholastic. Curtis is the winner of the Michigan Library Associations 2005 Michigan Author Award and has also received the Coretta Scott King Medal and the prestigious Newbery Medal.

This story for young adults is set in Buxton, Ontario. In it, Curtis explores the growth and travails of Elijah, a young African-American boy born free in Buxton, who travels into Detroit in search of a thief. Much more happens to him than he expects, and Elijah is forever changed by his encounters with the dark reality of slavery. The book is both heartbreaking and inspiring as Elijah grows into a deeper understanding of his history and legacy.

Also see the web site for author Christopher Paul Curtis, Wikipedia’s entry for Christopher Paul Curtis, a 2005 article from the Detroit Metro Times and an audio interview with Curtis on the Tavis Smiley show.

The Michigan Notable Books program annually selects 20 of the most notable books published in the year. The selections are reflective of Michigan’s diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experience. You can click to view more Notable Books featured on Absolute Michigan and learn more about the program at www.michigan.gov/notablebooks.