Curtis has written another award-winning novel that is sure to be as popular as his last two.  His books have humor and wisdom along with a strong storyline appreciated by kids, teenagers and adults alike.  Who can forget the description of the teenager who, while practicing his style, gets his lips frozen to the car's rear view mirror? (The Watsons Go to Birmingham)  Or Bud Caldwell's "Rules and Things to Have a Funner Life and Make a Better Liar Out of Yourself"? (Bud, not Buddy)

Now, in Elijah of Buxton, we meet a  boy who is almost "growned" and who lives in a (real) Canadian settlement for escaped slaves.  Through practical jokes and a trip to a side show, Elijah learns some funny lessons about human nature.  Then he learns some tough lessons about "growned up" language, violence, and the experiences of slavery.  The most memorable part for me was when Elijah almost spoke the word he was never supposed to use.  Even among that group of free people N__ had a profound effect that Elijah will always remember.