elija of buxton story plot
Storyboard Text
- INTRODUCTION
- Let Freedom Ring!
- ELIJAH OF BUXTONBy Christopher Paul Curtis
- EXPOSITION
- RISING ACTION
- Elijah of Buxton is a historical fiction novel told from the perspective of 11-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first child to be born free in the settlement of Buxton in Canada. Buxton is a real place founded in 1849 by Reverend William King as a refuge for African Americans escaping slavery in America. It was a final destination for many on the Underground Railroad as it was on free soil in Canada.
- CLIMAX
- Elijah lives with his Ma and Pa, attends school, and does many chores around the settlement. Elijah is known for being fra-gile but he wants to be seen as growned and acknowledged for his expert rock throwing and fish catching. He excels in school but is also naïve and is easily tricked by the untrustworthy preacher who lives just outside Buxton.
- FALLING ACTION
- Buxton's residents are all runaway slaves and their children. They relish their newfound freedom but also work extremely hard day to create a thriving settlement that includes a school, farms, and a mill. When new residents arrive, they are welcomed with open arms and the ringing of the Liberty Bell .
- RESOLUTION
- Mr. Leroy helps Mrs. Holton clear her land so he can earn enough money to buy his family from their enslaver. Mrs. Holton has also been saving to rescue her own husband. When she finds out that her husband has been killed by his enslaver, she gifts her money to Mr. Leroy. However, the greedy, nefarious Preacher tricks them and runs off with the money!
- Mr. Leroy is distraught and secretly enlists Elijah's help to go after the Preacher and get the money back. Tragically, when they arrive in America, Mr. Leroy passes away suddenly. Before he dies, he makes Elijah promise that he will go after the Preacher and get the money to save his family. Elijah agrees and courageously continues the dangerous quest.
- Elijah finds the Preacher but he has already been killed by evil slave catchers and the money is gone. Elijah finds other enslaved men, women, and children. He tries to free them but can't break their chains. Elijah realizes he has a chance to rescue baby Hope Too-ma-ee-nee. He promises her mother that he will bring Hope to freedom in Buxton.
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