One would not expect to read fiction and learn about American history, math, early childhood development, and ethics. However, Christopher Paul Curtis provides these teaching tools through his novels so that parents and schoolteachers may better connect with youngsters.
Curtis uses his storytelling to give adults an inkling of how children think, and to subtly place bits of advice sprinkled through his stories for children to use in dealing with the adult world.
Elijah of Buxton, and Bud, Not Buddy do these things sharply and in such a fashion that the generational gap between the novels’ characters serve as guideposts for both young and old.
Elijah of Buxton even provides readers with “Literature Circle Questions with Activities,” while the “Afterward” in Bud, Not Buddy puts the story in historical context. Both receive an “A” as a teaching tool for parents and teachers.
Bud, Not Buddy is set in Flint, Mich. during the Great Depression.
Times are hard for 10-year-old Bud; however, he has a suitcase of special things. He’s the author of his own rules to life, and he knows his father is a famous bandleader. The adventure is Bud’s willingness to go through hell and high water in order to find his famous father. What readers learn is that even though the American economy was in shambles, there was a thriving middle-class of African-Americans.
Both novels touch on social issues relevant to the past, present and future of childhood problems in America. Curtis’ characters articulate ideas as preteens would, making it easy to relate to the confused state of mind that a youngster may have under the circumstances of these stories.
Elijah of Buxton is a story that every American should read.
Eleven-year-old Elijah lives in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves near the American border.
Elijah is the first person born free in the town. He thinks he should be famous for this; however, his temperamental disposition sheds light on the emotional pressure that being a celebrity can put on a young mind.
Elijah of Buxton is a story of responsibility that exposes the hopes and dreams of an oppressed people. Most Americans have read history books that reference the Underground Railroad; however, many do not know the redeeming quality of a place like Buxton and what it represents. Curtis sheds light on that place not well known to most Americans.
