(Image obtained from Amazon.com)
1. Bibliography:
Curtis, C.P. 2007. Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN - 13:978-0-439-02344-3
2. Plot Summary:
Elijah Freeman lives with his family in Buxton, Canada. The Buxton settlement is a haven for freed slaves. Elijah is considered "fra-gile" by his parents but he embarks on a dangerous journey with a friend to track down a traitor and thief.
3. Critical Analysis:
Elijah Freeman is an eleven year old boy who was the first child to be born free in the Buxton settlement, a refuge for run away slaves from America. He has heard of slavery but he had never experienced it first hand. Elijah lives a simple, peaceful life with his loving parents and he's surrounded by a caring community. His days are filled with boyhood adventures with his best friend Cooter. After school, he works along-side a quite hard working man named Leroy. Mr. Leroy works hard in order to save enough money to buy his family out of slavery. Mrs. Holton is also saving her money to buy her husband back from slavery but she receives a letter informing her that he was beaten to death for trying to run away. Mrs. Holton then gave the money to Mr. Leroy who entrusted the money to Zaphariah to transport to someone that is to secure his family's freedom. Zaphariah is the greedy and tricky preacher, whom Elijah considers a friend but he took advantage of the trusting boy and almost sold him to a traveling carnival owner. Zaphariah continues his treacherous ways by betraying Mr. Leroy and stealing the money entrusted to him. Mr. Leroy is determined to find Zaphariah and he takes Elijah with him to assist him in his search. Elijah embarks on the adventure of his lifetime as he journeys to America and comes face to face with the ugly reality of slavery. The setting of the story in Buxton, Canada in the 1800 's is significant as Christopher Curtis presents the historical facts of this city in his "Author's notes". African-American slaves found freedom in this settlement in southern Ontario. The story is humorous, but also heart-wrenching as it brings one face to face with the harsh realities of that time. Christopher Curtis is a masterful story teller as he takes us back in time to the horrors of slavery but also the hope of sanctuary for run away slaves. He leaves us with a message of hope as Elijah not only finds his way back home but also fulfills the dreams of loving parents by transporting their baby daughter to freedom. Those who may be seen by others as "fra-gile" can find connections through the courage of a boy who would find his way back to freedom.
4. Review excerpt(s) and awards:
Goodreads:
"Newbery Medalist and CSK Award winner Christopher Paul Curtis's debut middle-grade/young-YA novel for Scholastic features his trademark humor, compelling storytelling, and unique narrative voice."
kirkusreview:
"This is Curtis's best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, 'This is one of the best books I have ever read.' (author's note) (Fiction. 9+)"
"This funny, wise historical novel set in a community of former slaves tells of a
young boy who ..."
Awards:
The winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor Book for 2008.
5. Connections:
Christopher Curtis is also the author of the historical novel The Watson's goes to Birmingham.
During that time many African-Americans had migrated to the North but kept close ties with family members in the South. The Watson family went to Birmingham from Flint, Michigan to visit Grandma Sands and to leave Byron with grandma because he kept getting into trouble and needed the guidance of a strict disciplinarian. This historical novel also shows us issues of that time that sparked the civil rights movement in the 1960's. We note the bombing of the church in Birmingham. The main character and narrator is also a young boy, Kenny. Kenny is in the fourth grade, so he may be just about a year younger than Elijah. Kenny gets bullied a lot and he seems to be well behaved like Elijah. Kenny's big brother Byron is the one with the discipline problem but his behavior changes when he gets to Birmingham. This time it was Kenny who was disobedient and he almost drowns but Byron saves him. Kenny also became fearful and timid after the bombing of the church in Birmingham. So, just like Elijah, Kenny must overcome fear and timidity after a tragedy. Kenny overcomes his fear through the love and support of his big brother. This novel is also an example to others that love and courage can help us overcome life's tragedies.
Activity #1:
In social studies have students research settlements in Canada that were a haven for free slaves. Include research about the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. Have them answer questions like why did this law make it dangerous for African Americans living in the Settlement, which was in Canada, to cross over to Detroit, which was in the USA? How did the law affect those born in freedom, like Elijah Freeman traveling to America?
Activity #2:
For writing have the students make a poster advertising a carnival coming to town. What are three important details your poster must have? How could you grab the attention of people so that they would come to the carnival? Be creative and informative. Make sure to provide the students with a rubric.
Children's response:
My eight year old didn't like the story. He said it was too sad even though it had a good ending. My thirteen year old felt that the story was depressing. The boys didn't know about the settlements in Canada that were a refuge for run away slaves. They knew about the Underground Rail Road but was unaware that slaves escaped to Canada. So, this story taught them something new about that time period. Of course both boys enjoyed the chapter about the snakes. It seems that slavery is a concept that is difficult for most children to comprehend or deal with.
References:
(Image obtained from goodreads.com)
1. Bibliography:
Giff, P. Reilly. 2000. Nory Ryan's Song. New York: Random House Children's books, a division of Random House, Inc. ISBN 0-439-31674-X
2. Plot Summary:
Twelve year old Nory lives with her family in Ireland. They own their home and land but must pay rent to the English. Unfortunately, the family faces starvation along with the rest of Ireland as the potatoe crops are dying in the fields. Nory struggles to survive and dreams of one day moving to America "where no one is ever hungry."
3. Critical Analysis:
Nory Ryan, her sisters Maggie and Celia and their three year old brother Patch live in Maidin Bay, Ireland. They are staying with their grandfather while their father is away fishing to earn money to pay the taxes. The family own their land and house but Ireland is under British rule, so an Englishman, Lord Cunningham, requires the Irish people to pay taxes. When they don't pay, they lose their home and land. The Ryan's farm of one pig, two chickens and potato fields have helped them survive thus far, however Nory hopes her family can eventually travel to Brooklyn, New York, where life seems much better. Sadly, one morning, Nory wakes to the terrible, rotting smell of diseased potatoes dying in the fields. All their hopes for the year's harvest are ruined. Now they are hungry and must struggle to survive. The beaches are stripped of edible seaweed, there are no more fish close to the shore, in desperation people even chew on grass for nourishment. Her community is falling apart but Nory struggles to find food for her family. Maggie gets married and moves to America with her husband. Celia and grandfather leaves to find dad in their desperation and Nory is left to take care of Patch. They stay with Anna and Nory does what she must to provide for her starving brother. Nory never gives up but courageously fights on. Her father "da", eventually sends her two tickets, she was to meet him at the port, she was on her way to America. Giff writes in her note to the reader that the Great Hunger of 1845 to 1852 was a tragic time for the Irish. Enough food to feed double the population was sent out the land and an indifferent British government ignored the starving masses. More than one million of the eight million people in Ireland died of sickness and starvation. Giff tells a beautiful story of one heroic girl who refuses to give in to hopeless circumstances. Many facing difficulties can connect with Nory's story of courage and hope.
4. Review excerpt(s) and awards:
School Library Journal:
"When a terrible blight attacks Ireland's potato crop in 1845, twelve-year-old Nory Ryan's courage and ingenuity help her family and neighbors survive."
Booklist:
"From the first scene on a cliff’s edge, the characters in Giff’s latest novel
balance perilously between ..."
Kirkusreview:
"Newbery Medal-winner Giff (Lily's Crossing, 1997, etc.) weaves wisps of history into this wrenching tale of an Irish family sundered by the Great Potato Famine. "
Awards:
Newbery Honor, an ALA Notable Book and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults.
5. Connections:
Patricia Reilly Giff is also the author of Lily's Crossing. This historical fiction takes place during the second World War. Lily's father is drafted into the military in the summer of 1944. She is left
alone with her grandmother in the family's summer home in Rockaway, New York. However, Lily makes a friend. His name is Albert, a shy Hungarian refugee her own age. Lily is experiencing a difficult time dealing with her Poppy (father) leaving to help win the war. Like Nora, Lily's is left with a grandparent . Both girls seem to be very attached to their fathers. Life is not the same for Nory nor Lily after their fathers leave. In the story Nory Ryan's Song, Nory befriends the old Anna who helps her through very trying times. Anna had survived heartbreaking situations that Nory had been unaware of. Lily's friend Albert had also survived difficult situations. Like Nory, Lily
does not know were her father is or when he would return. knowing where Poppy is or when he will return gives Lily a new perspective on the war. Both girls learn valuable lessons about family and friendship.Activity # 1:
Give the students a book list of similar books such as Lily's Crossing, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, and Sarah Bishop by Scott O'Dell. Ask the children to choose one of the books to compare and contrast to Nory Ryan's Song. Give the students clear instructions and expectations and also a rubric that they could refer to.
Activity # 2:
In social studies have the students research the Great Hunger of 1845 to 1852 in Ireland. Have students create a map of Ireland as part of their assignment and answer questions such as what caused the hunger? What were some of the effects of British rule in Ireland? List at least three effects. Make sure that you give the students clear expectations and a rubric to reference.
Children's Response:
My boys felt that the story was sad but they liked it. They were upset about how the British treated the Irish people and wanted to know why didn't anybody do anything about it. I told them about the Irish Liberation party and the violence that occurred in England as they sought to be independent from Great Britain. My thirteen year old tought about so many people coming to America today for a better life.
Reference:
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com
http://www.scholastic.com
(Image obtained from Amazon.com)
1. Bibliography
Holm, J. 2010. Turtle in Paradise. New York: Random House, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-375-83688-6
2. Summary plot:
The story takes place in 1935 when jobs and money were scarce. Turtle's mother got a job housekeeping for a lady who didn't like children. So, Turtle had to leave her mom and move to Key West, Florida to live with relatives she'd never met before.
3. Critical Analysis:
In 1935, jobs are hard to come by because of the Great Depression. Turtle's mother is lucky to find a job as a live-in maid but she soon learns that her employer can't stand children. So, she sends her 11-year-old daughter from New Jersey to Key West to live with her sister. Unfortunately for Turtle, her aunt didn't know she was coming, so she wasn't thrilled to see her. Her aunt Minnie has three children Beans is the eldest, Kermit has a heart-defect, and Buddy is the youngest. Beans was not welcoming at all. Aunt Minnie eventually lets Turtle stay, but she has to stay Beans' room which causes him to hate her more. The boys are known as the Diaper Gang because they and two other boys care for babies. Turtle is determined to find a job and save money so that she and her mother can buy the Bellewood house. A fisherman named Slow Poke hires Turtle. She later finds out that he is her father. Her mother didn't really talk about her dad. Turtle also meets her grandmother, whom her mother said was dead because of an argument they had. Turtle later hears a rumor of a buried pirate treasure somewhere in the Keys and she really wants to find it so she can use it to purchase a house for her mother. Turtle and the Diaper Gang steal a boat and head out to the Keys to find the treasure. They find the treasure, but they forget to anchor the boat and it floats off, and they are left stranded. Soon, there is a hurricane, and aunt Minnie becomes worried because the children are missing. Slow Poke and the rest of the town later rescue the children. Turtle's mom, Sadie Belle and her friend Archie, arrived in Key West, announcing that they had gotten married. However, Archie soon steals the money and leaves for Cuba. Turtle and her mom end up staying in Key West with the rest of her family. Aunt Minnie allows Turtle and Sadie Belle to stay with them until they get a house and Beans allows Turtle to stay in his room. Holm tells a beautiful family story that's funny and witty. It shows family being there for each other no matter what. The story is based on actual family tales, and give a true glimpse of life during the Depression in Key West. The places are real and Holm includes photographs and notes in her "Author's Note." She even suggests other books and provides websites readers could explore.
4. Excerpts and awards:
School Library Journal:
"In Jennifer L. Holm's New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor winning middle grade historical fiction novel, life isn't like the movies. But then again, 11-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple. She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending."
Goodreads:
"She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending. After all, it's 1935 and jobs and money and sometimes even dreams are scarce."
Kirkusreview:
"Eleven-year-old Turtle falls in with the Diaper Gang—her boy cousins Beans, Kermit and Buddy and their friends Ira and Pork Chop—when she is packed off to stay in her mother's hometown of Key West because her housekeeper mother has a new job with a woman who doesn't like kids. "
Awards:
A 2010 Newbery Honor book and the book also won the The Golden Kite Award.
5. Connections:
Jennifer Holm is also the author of Penny from Heaven. This novel is also inspired by Jennifer Holm's own family. It's a story is about her Italian American family. Like Turtle in Paradise, it's a story about families and their conflicts and also about the things that bring them together. Penny is also eleven years old just like Turtle. She wants to go swimming and play baseball but her mother is afraid somthing might happen to her. Her uncle lives in a car and the two sides of her family aren't speaking to each other. The story is amusing and dynamic.
Activity # 1:
In social studies, have students research the Great Depression that took place in 1935. What caused the Great Depression? How long did it last? How did it effect families and what did they do to survive? Who did it effect the most and why? Could it happen again? Why? or Why not?
Activity # 2:
Students could research Key West. Its location, history, main industry, goods and services. Have students create a map of the Florida Keys, clearly indicating Key West as part of their project. Provide clear expectations and a rubric.
Children's Response:
The children ranged from 3rd grade to 8th grade. They found the book amusing. They liked the conflicts between Turtle and her cousin and the adventures of the Diaper Gang. They thought that the name "Diaper Gang" was funny. They seem to relate to the story.
References:
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