Redemption Song... Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

I take it back, I take it all back ten times over... Christopher Paul Curtis has redeemed himself in my eyes with Elijah of Buxton.
Early this summer I gave a less than stealer review of Curtis's Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission. (I'm sorry, I just really didn't get into it.) And I love Christopher Paul Curtis so much, it really pained me to do so. I truly believe Christopher Paul Curtis is the best story teller of our time. Or should I say my time. (Not reveling what that is, however) This story can be used to prove my point. If it isn't nominated at the very least for many awards, I would be shocked. I am positive it will gain Curtis his 3rd (?) Corretta Scott King Award. But will it be in the running for that all coveted Newbery? I say, "yes!" This story is packed full of funny, serious, and educational information.
I had never even heard of the Canadian town of Buxton. Buxton is the setting of the novel and has a wonderful history I am only now learning more about. You can find information on the link I have provided which will take you to the Buxton National Historical Site & Museum.
I don't exactly know if I want to try to explain the plot of the book. I think it would be best read yourself. There are great reviews out there. Including this one from Fuse #8 and Part Two also by Fuse #8. So, I am not going to try to do this book justice. I just want everyone everywhere to read this book. Read it to a kid, read it as an adult, read it to be a better person.

Bookstore Jackpot!

Today I hit a bookstore jackpot! I was not necessarily looking for anything in particular and I found two brand new books from my favorite authors! I will get reading right away, but I am not sure how fast I can finish them.
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Love is a Many Trousered Thing by Louise Rennison
P.S. I am aware that the series of Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison is not 5th grade appropriate. I read them for myself. Do not be fooled. They are cute and hilarious books, but not made for younger readers. 7th grade and up I would say.

Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission by Christopher Paul Curtis

I don't know what it is, maybe it is me, but another one of my very favorite authors of all time is letting me down slightly. Christopher Paul Curtis's book Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission is not my favorite. When I read the first book Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, I thought... Okay? I didn't love it and I didn't really understand it, but it was still humorous. Now I have read the second book, Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission and I am saying... NO, not that good! I very much love the humor Christopher Paul Curtis brings to his writing. I just do not understand the point of these two stories. This book in particular gets WAY OUT THERE. It is like Curtis is trying to write to a certain demographic and it is not his style. He seems to be trying to capture the demographic of kids who want to read fantasy. I just really feel like he is so much better at realistic and historical fiction.
By the way, I totally recommend the following books from Christopher Paul Curtis:
The Watson's Go to Birmingham-1963 (I read this EVERY single year!)
Bud, Not Buddy
Bucking the Sarge