By Christopher Paul Curtis
Scholastic Inc. | ISBN 9780545156677 Paperback
272 Pages | 5.279" x 7.573" | Ages 8 to 12
Scholastic Canada Ltd | ISBN 9781443142632 Hardcover
256 Pages | 5.75" x 8.58" | Ages 9 to 12
Scholastic Inc | ISBN 9781338164008 Ebook
256 Pages | Ages 9 to 12
Newbery Medalist Christopher Paul Curtis brings his trademark humour and heart to the story of a boy struggling to do right in the face of history's cruelest evils.
Twelve-year-old Charlie is down on his luck: His dad just died, the share crops are dry, and Cap'n Buck — the most fearsome man in Possum Moan, South Carolina — has come to collect a debt. Fearing for his life, Charlie strikes a deal with Cap'n Buck and agrees to track down some thieves. It's not too bad of a bargain for Charlie... until he comes face-to-face with the fugitives and discovers that they escaped slavery years ago and have been living free in Detroit. Torn between his guilty conscience and his survival instinct, Charlie needs to figure out his next move — and soon. It's only a matter of time before Cap'n Buck catches on...
Praise for the Buxton Chronicles:
A Quill & Quire Book of the Year
A Dewey Diva Pick
* “Curtis’s priorities are storytelling and action; he keeps things moving at a fast pace and can have you laughing soon after delivering a punch in the gut.” (The Journey of Little Charlie) — Quill & Quire, starred review
“Christopher Paul Curtis brings his trademark humour and heart to the story of a boy struggling to do right in the face of history's cruellest evils.” (The Journey of Little Charlie) — CBC Books
*"A characteristically lively and complex addition to the historical fiction of the era from Curtis." (The Journey of Little Charlie) — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
*". . . Curtis’s unsparing novel pulls no punches as it illuminates an ugly chapter of American history." (The Journey of Little Charlie) — Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Curtis is a master at balancing the serious and the lighthearted." (Elijah of Buxton)— New York Times Book Review
* "A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller." (Elijah of Buxton)— Booklist, starred review
"Curtis deftly makes what might have been simply heart-rending hopeful and redeeming instead... a pleasure to read." (The Madman of Piney Woods) — New York Times Book Review
*"A journey of revelation and insight... profoundly moving yet also at times very funny." (The Madman of Piney Woods) — Horn Book Magazine
