Elijah of Buxton Discussion Guide
About the Book
In 1860, Elijah Freeman is only eleven years old when he is thrust into the “growned-up” world in
the Buxton Settlement in Canada where he lives with his parents and other freed slaves. Elijah knows
about slavery and the meaning of freedom from the stories told by those in his community. But Elijah
was born free, so he has no first-hand knowledge of what it means to live a life of bondage. What he
does know is that Mr. Leroy, a “growned-up friend,” is willing to risk everything to buy his wife and
children out of slavery. Unfortunately Elijah learns a “growned-up” lesson about the untrustworthiness of strangers when the Preacher, a disreputable character from a nearby community, offers to help
Mr. Leroy but ends up stealing his money. Mr. Leroy’s journey ends sadly, but Elijah’s effort to help
him brings his own life full circle when he transports a baby girl to freedom. As a baby, Elijah was
made a symbol of hope by Mr. Frederick Douglass, and now he has earned this distinction by becoming the youngest conductor on the Underground Railroad.
PRE-READING
Engage the class in a discussion about the Underground Railroad. Why was it called a “railroad”?
What was the role of the conductor? Ask students to visit some of the “stations” in various states
along the routes (www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/underground/states.htm). How did the slaves know that
these “stations” were safe?
Locate Buxton, Canada, on a map. Determine which “stations” might have served a slave traveling
from Virginia. Map out a sample route.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Elijah’s ma sees him as “fra-gile.” What are the characteristics of a “fra-gile” person? How does
Elijah get this reputation? At what point in the novel does Elijah’s ma begin to believe that he is no
longer “fra-gile?” Discuss the moment when Elijah realizes that he has outgrown his reputation.
2. Describe the Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Zephariah W. Connerly the Third, the man Elijah and
Cooter call the Preacher. What is the first clue that he isn’t an honest man? Discuss why the Preacher
doesn’t live in the Settlement. Elijah knows that the Preacher can’t be trusted. Why does it take him so
long to admit it? Why does Mr. Leroy put so much faith in the Preacher?
3. Which character contributes the most to Elijah’s growth as a person? Why does Elijah feel that being grown is much harder than it looks? How does Mr. Leroy treat him as a “growned-up” person by
asking him if the Preacher is a thief?
4. How do Elijah’s talents help him out of some tough situations?
5. Explain why Elijah Freeman’s birth is a symbol of hope for the people of Buxton. How does he
represent hope at the end of the novel?
6. The Buxton Settlement Creed is “one helping one to uplift all.” How does this creed represent the
strong sense of community in Buxton? Explain how helping one another is uplifting to all. Discuss the
many different things the citizens of Buxton do to help one another.
7. Living free in Canada doesn’t guarantee the people of Buxton a life without prejudices. What are
some examples of the challenges they face?
8. Describe Elijah and Cooter’s friendship. How is Elijah a better friend than Cooter? Explain what
Mr. Leroy means when he says to Elijah, “ Member that we gets ‘long but I ain’t your friend.” (p. 66)
Why does Mr. Leroy think it important that Elijah understand the difference? Discuss whether Mr.
Leroy ever sees Elijah as a friend.
9. Mr. Travis teaches the children in Buxton. What does he want his students to learn from the phrase
-”Familiarity Breeds Contempt”? How does Cooter have a difficult time understanding this phrase?
Explain how “respect” for his elders keeps Elijah from showing contempt for the Preacher.
10. Mr. Leroy is offended when Elijah uses a racial slur. Elijah explains, “Sir, I only said it ‘cause I
hear lots of the children say it.” (p. 66) Why would Elijah think that hearing the word makes it okay
to say it? How does Mr. Leroy help Elijah understand the “hatred” wrapped around the word? Discuss
whether you feel that the word shows a lack of respect, both for those being spoken to, and for the
speaker.
11. Mr. Frederick Douglass talks about freedom. Why does he say the second hardest step to freedom
is the first one - and the hardest step of all is the last one? How is this true for people like Mrs. Holton
and Mr. Leroy? Discuss what they gained by coming to Buxton. What did they lose? Discuss how
Emma Collins helps slaves take that final step to freedom.
12. Christopher Paul Curtis is a master storyteller and uses humor to communicate his message.
Discuss whether Curtis’ humor is conveyed more through character or through episodic scenes in the
novel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher Paul Curtis was born and reared in Flint, Michigan. After high school graduation, he
worked on the assembly line of the Fisher Body Plant No. 1 and attended the Flint branch of the
University of Michigan. His first book, The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963, received a Newbery
Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor book citation in 1996, and Bud, Not Buddy received the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award in 2000. Today, he is a full-time writer, and makes his
home with his wife and two children in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
WEB LINKS
www.blackhistoricalmuseum.com/history.htm
The official site of the North American Black Historical Museum which makes a connection between
Canadian Black History and Black History of the United States.
http://www.undergroundrailroadconductor.com/
Shows various routes on the Underground Railroad.
www.nps.gov/archive/frdo/freddoug.html
The official site for the Frederick Douglas National Historic Site.
This guide was prepared by Pat Scales, Greenville, SC
https://www.novelstudies.org/downloads/Elijah_of_Buxton_Novel_Study_Preview.pdf
Q&A
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Pg 3 What is Preacher’s full name with titles? Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Zephariah Connerly the
Third. (Tie‐Breaker?)
Pg 3 What do Elijah and Cooter call the “Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Zewphariah Connerly the Third”? A:
Preacher
Pg 6 What happens after a hoop snake bites you? You begin swelling and after 7 ½ days, you explode and then
your head lives another week
Pg 9 What is Elijah’s last name? Freeman
Pg 13 What did Elijah and Cooter put in Ma’s sewing basket? A: 1 pt. frog 2 pt. toady‐frog??
Pg 18 What kind of cookies did Mrs. Brown bake and share? Sugar cookies and rope cookies
Pg 18 What kind of cookie does Elijah’s mom say is in their cookie jar that is really a snake? A: rope cookie
Pg 19 What was in the cookie jar? A snake
Pg 20 Why did Ma put a snake in the cookie jar? To teach Elijah a lesson
Pg 25 What was the tragedy attached to Elijah’s name? He threw up on Mr. Frederick Douglass
Pg 26 Who did Elijah throw up on as a baby? Fredrick Douglas
Pg 24 Who established Buxton? Reverend King
Pg 24 Why was Elijah special? He was the first child to be born free in Buxton (the Elgin Settlement at Raleigh in
Canada West.)
Pg 26 What were some of the tale stories told about the throwing up incident? He threw up for ½ hour, he
nearly drowned a man, he threw up so much that the desks and chairs floated out of the school, the wolves and
bears ate vomit for 5 years! (Tie‐breaker?)
Pg 29 Where does Elijah do chores after school? the stable
Pg 29 How does Mr. Segee know that Elijah is on his way? Old Flapjack gets worked up
Pg 35 What is the name of Elijah’s favorite riding mule? A: Old Flap Jack
Pg 29/30 What are the 2 parts of Elijah’s stable work? The working part and the enjoying part
Pg 30 Describe the working part of Elijah’s stable work. Cleaning the stalls, shoveling the manure and taking it
to the fertilizer pile, feeding and watering the animals
Pg 30 Describe the enjoying part of Elijah’s stable work. Brushing the animals, tending to their hooves and
comforting them by keeping the horseflies off of them
Pg 30 What is a fly swah? A fly swatter
Pg 31 Where does Elijah get his bait for fishing? A: he swats horseflies off the animals in the stable.
Pg 32 What is the good sound that means that the horsefly isn’t dead, but bait? Pah‐dop
Pg 33 How cold was the winter of ’53? The flames on the candles froze solid and the sun was frozen in place
halfway across the sky.
Pg 34 What did Elijah ask Mr. Segee every Friday night? Is it OK to take Old Flapjack out for a spell?
Pg 37 What did Preacher think of Elijah’s rock throwing? It has the look of conjuring or may be the work of the
devil pg 40 May be witnessing a gift from Jesus or it sure is unnatural
Pg 42 Where did Old Flapjack spend his time while Elijah fished? In the blackberry bushes
Pg 44 Name 2 things that make a perfect fishing throw for Elijah. Fish is knocked out & stays on the top of the
water, the rock bounces off & lands far enough away with no splash to scare the other big fish
Pg 52 How many fish did Preacher “tithe” away from Elijah? 4
Pg 57 Who were the second and third children born in Buxton? Emma Collins and Philip Wise
Pg 61‐63 What happened to the two white Stallions that the two white men from America had been riding before
they died?
Answer: One spooked and bolted, showing up later in Buxton eating Mrs. Highgates black‐eyed Susies; the other,
the Preacher rode to Toronto and sold it there.
Pg 73 Who built most of Mrs. Holton’s house? Mr. Leroy
Pg 81 What did Mr. Travis write on the blackboard? “Familiarity breeds contempt”
Pg 82 What was Cooter’s translation of “Familiarity breeds contempt?” Family breeding contest
Pg 103 What attraction was coming to the Buxton area from Chicago? The Carnival of Oddities
Pg 107 How much did it cost to see Madame Sabbar? 10 cents
Pg 110 What did Madame Sabbar use to put out the candles? Rocks and a slingshot
Pg 112 Who played MaWee in the carnival? Jimmie Blassingame
Pg 119 (HC) How much did the Preacher pay for him and Elijah to see the Conjurer/Mesmerist at the Carnival?
Answer: Two American quarters
Pg 120 (HC) What was Elijah afraid was going to happen to him in the ConjurerMesmerist’s tent at the Carnival?
Answer: He was going to float away/levitate
Pg 137 (HC) What does the Preacher call Elijah when talking to the Conjurer about him?
Answer: Ahbo
Pg 143(HC) With whom does Elijah race to put out the candles at the Carnival?
Answer: Madam Sabbar
Pg 157(HC) Why does Emma Collins let the “sin of envy choke her heart”?
Answer: Elijah beat her at being the first child born free in Buxton by 6 days.
Pg 154 What did Old Flapjack do when he saw or smelled something that “weren’t regular?”
Pg 156 What did Elijah see in the woods when he was plowing? Two people, a man and a boy
Pg 158 (HC) Whose job is it to carry the runaway slaves that come to Buxton the last step into being free?
Answer: Emma Collins
Pg 157 What did Emma Collins tote everywhere but school? A sock doll ( a frightsome mess)
Pg 158 What did Elijah and Emma Collins have in common? They are both “fra‐gile”
Pg 166 How does Elijah blow his nose? He plugs one side and blows it out of the other onto the ground or onto
his shirtsleeve for his mother’s sake
Pg 167‐8 What does Emma give the new‐free girl who comes to the settlement?
Answer: Her doll named Birdy
Pg 170 How heavy is the Liberty Bell? 500 pounds
Pg 170 Where was the Liberty Bell made? Pittsburgh, PA
Pg 171 (HC) How many times does the Liberty Bell get rung for each new‐free person who arrives in Buxton?
Answer: 20 times for each person, ten for their old lives and ten more for their new lives.
Pg 171 After the Liberty Bell was rung, what did the new‐free folks do? Climb the ladder to the steeple and rub
the bell with their left hand
Pg 172 How many times did Cooter and Elijah ring the Liberty Bell? 100 times
Pg 178 What was Liza Taylor’s real name? Alice Duncan
Pg 181 What was one of Elijah’s “favouritest” chores? Going to Chatham to check on the mail
Pg 185 Name 2 people in Chatham who had accidents with their horses. Mr. Larry Butler, of the post office and
Mr. MacMahon, the storekeeper
Pg 189 Who took their school lessons at night? All the “growned folks” who hadn’t learned to read or write while
they were slaves in America
Pg 192 Before visiting Mrs. Holton with the letter from Virginia, what behavior did Elijah’s mother warn him
against? Crying and carrying on & tearing out of the house screaming
Pg 192 How many people joined Elijah and his mother to deliver the letter to Mrs. Holton? 12
Pg 194 When had Mrs. Holton’s letter been written? A bout year before it arrived in Buxton
Pg 196 What did Mrs. Holton’s letter tell her? That her husband died under the whip
Pg 201 What would Elijah rather do than sit through a whole morning and afternoon of church? Clean 5 stables,
dig 2 miles of drainage ditch, and clear 3 acres of woodland
Pg 202 Where was the after church picnic? On the shores of Lake Erie
Pg 209 What is the reason for the first time that Elijah’s Ma, when she was a girl, was hit by her own Ma?
Answer: Because she was close enough to see Canada, but she didn’t try to run away to freedom. (p.209 PB)
Pg 212 At the beach what did Pa do with his piece of Ma’s peach pie? He buried it
Pg 218 How much did Elijah earn for rewording Mrs. Holton’s sign? A nickel
Pg 219 What was Mr. Leroy’s pay for carving a memorial sign for Mrs. Holton? A box with $2200 in gold
Pg 219 How much money does Mrs. Holton give to Mr. Leroy for him to use to get his family out of slavery?
Answer: Twenty‐two hundred dollars in gold
Pg 221 What day did John Holton die?
Answer: May 7th, 1859
Pg 220 How was Mr. Leroy going to use the carving money? He was going to buy his wife and two children from
slavery
Pg 225 Whom of Mr. Leroy’s family was he planning on freeing first before Mrs. Holton game him the money?
Answer: His son ‘Zekial so that he could help him work and raise more money for the others.
Pg 230 Who volunteered to arrange for the purchase of Leroy’s family? The Preacher
Pg 231 What did Pa think about the Preacher having Leroy’s money? He advised caution, because they didn’t
know much about the Preacher
Pg 231 What did Pa know about the Preacher (Zeph)? He didn’t live in the settlement, didn’t work regular, he
was gone for long spells of time, he carried a $100 pistol, he was smart and very young
Pg 233 Who did Pa suggest as a traveling companion for Preacher? Theodore Highgate
Pg 236 What did Preacher give to Mr. Leroy to hold until he returned? His fancy pistol
Pg 238 How many days passed before Buxton knew what happened to Preacher and Theodore Highgate? 5
Pg 241 What happened to Mr. Highgate? Preacher shot him
Pg 244 What did Preacher intend to do with Mr. Leroy’s money? Gamble with it
Pg 245 How does the Preacher get away from Mr. Highgate with all the money?
Answer: He unloaded Mr. Highgate’s pistol when he was sleeping
Pg 254 Where was Elijah supposed to be while Ma & Pa were at the meeting about Preacher? At Cooter’s house
Pg 260 What happened as Elijah was creeping up to eavesdrop at the church? He was grabbed and kidnapped
Pg 262 Who snatched Elijah? Mr. Leroy
Pg 263 Why did Mr. Leroy want Elijah along for the trip to the village in Michigan? Elijah could read and Mr.
Leroy was not comfortable dealing with white folks
Pg 264 Why was Elijah relieved that Mr. Leroy was kidnapping him? Because he wouldn’t be in near as much
trouble
Pg 273 What does Elijah pack to take with him when he and Mr. Leroy leave to go find the Preacher?
Answer: a book, 20 of his best chunking stones, ‘Mr. Taylor’s sullied knife,’ and the piece of paper with the address
of the man who helped Mr. Highgate.
Pg 275 Where did Elijah and Mr. Leroy catch the ferry to Michigan? Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Pg 277 How did Elijah care for Jingle Boy on the Michigan trip? He cooled him in the river and cautioned Mr.
Leroy not run the horse so hard
Pg 281 Who were Elijah and Mr. Leroy looking for at the tavern? Mr. Benjamin Alston
Pg 282 How was Mr. Leroy looking after talking to Mr. Alston? Mighty worried and afeared
Pg 283 On the way to East Lee stable, what happened to Mr. Leroy? He fell of f of Jingle Boy and landed on his
face in the dirt
Pg 284 What did Mr. Leroy want Elijah to promise? That he would get the money from Preacher and gut shoot
him
Pg 284 As Mr. Leroy was dying, what name did he call Elijah? Ezekial, his son
Pg 288 How did Elijah deal with the dog at the stable? He used his chunking stones
Pg 290‐292 In what order did Elijah’s senses tell him about the East Lee stable? Ears, nose, eyes
The animals sounded OK, the smell was strange & then his eyes adjusted to the dark
Pg 292 Who was at the other end of the East Lee stable? Preacher
Pg 293 Why was Preacher being so still in the stable? He was dead (Pg 304)
Pg 294 What were the “bundles” in the stable? Five squatted down demons or people Slaves recaptured to be
sent back to slavery(Pg 298)
Pg 294 What did the 4 armed “bundle” ask Elijah? “Is you real or is you a haint?”
Pg 299 What did Elijah give to the woman with the baby? A gourd of water
Pg 299 How did Elijah help the chained men in the stable? He held the water gourd for them to drink
Pg 302 How did Elijah help the boy in the stable? He wiped his nose and held the water gourd for him to drink
Pg 305 Why did Elijah feel shame when he learned that Preacher was dead? Because he was relieved that he
wouldn’t have to keep his word and kill him
Pg 305 What would remind Elijah of Preacher’s death? Emma’s old doll, Birdy
Pg 308 What was Elijah going to try to do for the people in the stable? He was going to free them and get them
away, stealing the horses in the stable(pg 311)
Pg 312 Who was in charge of the 5 people in the stable? Massa Prayder
Pg 315 What was the baby’s mother’s name? Chloe
Pg 302 What was the baby’s father’s name? Kamau
Pg 321 Who did Elijah think would help the people in the stable? Mr. Alston
Pg 325 What was talking to Elijah when he realized that he was going to break his promise to Mrs. Chloe? His
conscience
Pg 328 What squashes the happiness out of Elijah? A grownup telling him that they are disappointed in
something that he did
Pg 338 What was the baby’s name? Hope Too‐mah‐ee‐nee
Pg 340 How did Elijah carry the baby as they rode Jingle‐Boy? In a tote sack on his back
About the Book
In 1860, Elijah Freeman is only eleven years old when he is thrust into the “growned-up” world in
the Buxton Settlement in Canada where he lives with his parents and other freed slaves. Elijah knows
about slavery and the meaning of freedom from the stories told by those in his community. But Elijah
was born free, so he has no first-hand knowledge of what it means to live a life of bondage. What he
does know is that Mr. Leroy, a “growned-up friend,” is willing to risk everything to buy his wife and
children out of slavery. Unfortunately Elijah learns a “growned-up” lesson about the untrustworthiness of strangers when the Preacher, a disreputable character from a nearby community, offers to help
Mr. Leroy but ends up stealing his money. Mr. Leroy’s journey ends sadly, but Elijah’s effort to help
him brings his own life full circle when he transports a baby girl to freedom. As a baby, Elijah was
made a symbol of hope by Mr. Frederick Douglass, and now he has earned this distinction by becoming the youngest conductor on the Underground Railroad.
PRE-READING
Engage the class in a discussion about the Underground Railroad. Why was it called a “railroad”?
What was the role of the conductor? Ask students to visit some of the “stations” in various states
along the routes (www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/underground/states.htm). How did the slaves know that
these “stations” were safe?
Locate Buxton, Canada, on a map. Determine which “stations” might have served a slave traveling
from Virginia. Map out a sample route.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Elijah’s ma sees him as “fra-gile.” What are the characteristics of a “fra-gile” person? How does
Elijah get this reputation? At what point in the novel does Elijah’s ma begin to believe that he is no
longer “fra-gile?” Discuss the moment when Elijah realizes that he has outgrown his reputation.
2. Describe the Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Zephariah W. Connerly the Third, the man Elijah and
Cooter call the Preacher. What is the first clue that he isn’t an honest man? Discuss why the Preacher
doesn’t live in the Settlement. Elijah knows that the Preacher can’t be trusted. Why does it take him so
long to admit it? Why does Mr. Leroy put so much faith in the Preacher?
3. Which character contributes the most to Elijah’s growth as a person? Why does Elijah feel that being grown is much harder than it looks? How does Mr. Leroy treat him as a “growned-up” person by
asking him if the Preacher is a thief?
4. How do Elijah’s talents help him out of some tough situations?
5. Explain why Elijah Freeman’s birth is a symbol of hope for the people of Buxton. How does he
represent hope at the end of the novel?
6. The Buxton Settlement Creed is “one helping one to uplift all.” How does this creed represent the
strong sense of community in Buxton? Explain how helping one another is uplifting to all. Discuss the
many different things the citizens of Buxton do to help one another.
7. Living free in Canada doesn’t guarantee the people of Buxton a life without prejudices. What are
some examples of the challenges they face?
8. Describe Elijah and Cooter’s friendship. How is Elijah a better friend than Cooter? Explain what
Mr. Leroy means when he says to Elijah, “ Member that we gets ‘long but I ain’t your friend.” (p. 66)
Why does Mr. Leroy think it important that Elijah understand the difference? Discuss whether Mr.
Leroy ever sees Elijah as a friend.
9. Mr. Travis teaches the children in Buxton. What does he want his students to learn from the phrase
-”Familiarity Breeds Contempt”? How does Cooter have a difficult time understanding this phrase?
Explain how “respect” for his elders keeps Elijah from showing contempt for the Preacher.
10. Mr. Leroy is offended when Elijah uses a racial slur. Elijah explains, “Sir, I only said it ‘cause I
hear lots of the children say it.” (p. 66) Why would Elijah think that hearing the word makes it okay
to say it? How does Mr. Leroy help Elijah understand the “hatred” wrapped around the word? Discuss
whether you feel that the word shows a lack of respect, both for those being spoken to, and for the
speaker.
11. Mr. Frederick Douglass talks about freedom. Why does he say the second hardest step to freedom
is the first one - and the hardest step of all is the last one? How is this true for people like Mrs. Holton
and Mr. Leroy? Discuss what they gained by coming to Buxton. What did they lose? Discuss how
Emma Collins helps slaves take that final step to freedom.
12. Christopher Paul Curtis is a master storyteller and uses humor to communicate his message.
Discuss whether Curtis’ humor is conveyed more through character or through episodic scenes in the
novel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher Paul Curtis was born and reared in Flint, Michigan. After high school graduation, he
worked on the assembly line of the Fisher Body Plant No. 1 and attended the Flint branch of the
University of Michigan. His first book, The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963, received a Newbery
Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor book citation in 1996, and Bud, Not Buddy received the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award in 2000. Today, he is a full-time writer, and makes his
home with his wife and two children in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
WEB LINKS
www.blackhistoricalmuseum.com/history.htm
The official site of the North American Black Historical Museum which makes a connection between
Canadian Black History and Black History of the United States.
http://www.undergroundrailroadconductor.com/
Shows various routes on the Underground Railroad.
www.nps.gov/archive/frdo/freddoug.html
The official site for the Frederick Douglas National Historic Site.
This guide was prepared by Pat Scales, Greenville, SC
https://www.novelstudies.org/downloads/Elijah_of_Buxton_Novel_Study_Preview.pdf
Q&A
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Pg 3 What is Preacher’s full name with titles? Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Zephariah Connerly the
Third. (Tie‐Breaker?)
Pg 3 What do Elijah and Cooter call the “Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Zewphariah Connerly the Third”? A:
Preacher
Pg 6 What happens after a hoop snake bites you? You begin swelling and after 7 ½ days, you explode and then
your head lives another week
Pg 9 What is Elijah’s last name? Freeman
Pg 13 What did Elijah and Cooter put in Ma’s sewing basket? A: 1 pt. frog 2 pt. toady‐frog??
Pg 18 What kind of cookies did Mrs. Brown bake and share? Sugar cookies and rope cookies
Pg 18 What kind of cookie does Elijah’s mom say is in their cookie jar that is really a snake? A: rope cookie
Pg 19 What was in the cookie jar? A snake
Pg 20 Why did Ma put a snake in the cookie jar? To teach Elijah a lesson
Pg 25 What was the tragedy attached to Elijah’s name? He threw up on Mr. Frederick Douglass
Pg 26 Who did Elijah throw up on as a baby? Fredrick Douglas
Pg 24 Who established Buxton? Reverend King
Pg 24 Why was Elijah special? He was the first child to be born free in Buxton (the Elgin Settlement at Raleigh in
Canada West.)
Pg 26 What were some of the tale stories told about the throwing up incident? He threw up for ½ hour, he
nearly drowned a man, he threw up so much that the desks and chairs floated out of the school, the wolves and
bears ate vomit for 5 years! (Tie‐breaker?)
Pg 29 Where does Elijah do chores after school? the stable
Pg 29 How does Mr. Segee know that Elijah is on his way? Old Flapjack gets worked up
Pg 35 What is the name of Elijah’s favorite riding mule? A: Old Flap Jack
Pg 29/30 What are the 2 parts of Elijah’s stable work? The working part and the enjoying part
Pg 30 Describe the working part of Elijah’s stable work. Cleaning the stalls, shoveling the manure and taking it
to the fertilizer pile, feeding and watering the animals
Pg 30 Describe the enjoying part of Elijah’s stable work. Brushing the animals, tending to their hooves and
comforting them by keeping the horseflies off of them
Pg 30 What is a fly swah? A fly swatter
Pg 31 Where does Elijah get his bait for fishing? A: he swats horseflies off the animals in the stable.
Pg 32 What is the good sound that means that the horsefly isn’t dead, but bait? Pah‐dop
Pg 33 How cold was the winter of ’53? The flames on the candles froze solid and the sun was frozen in place
halfway across the sky.
Pg 34 What did Elijah ask Mr. Segee every Friday night? Is it OK to take Old Flapjack out for a spell?
Pg 37 What did Preacher think of Elijah’s rock throwing? It has the look of conjuring or may be the work of the
devil pg 40 May be witnessing a gift from Jesus or it sure is unnatural
Pg 42 Where did Old Flapjack spend his time while Elijah fished? In the blackberry bushes
Pg 44 Name 2 things that make a perfect fishing throw for Elijah. Fish is knocked out & stays on the top of the
water, the rock bounces off & lands far enough away with no splash to scare the other big fish
Pg 52 How many fish did Preacher “tithe” away from Elijah? 4
Pg 57 Who were the second and third children born in Buxton? Emma Collins and Philip Wise
Pg 61‐63 What happened to the two white Stallions that the two white men from America had been riding before
they died?
Answer: One spooked and bolted, showing up later in Buxton eating Mrs. Highgates black‐eyed Susies; the other,
the Preacher rode to Toronto and sold it there.
Pg 73 Who built most of Mrs. Holton’s house? Mr. Leroy
Pg 81 What did Mr. Travis write on the blackboard? “Familiarity breeds contempt”
Pg 82 What was Cooter’s translation of “Familiarity breeds contempt?” Family breeding contest
Pg 103 What attraction was coming to the Buxton area from Chicago? The Carnival of Oddities
Pg 107 How much did it cost to see Madame Sabbar? 10 cents
Pg 110 What did Madame Sabbar use to put out the candles? Rocks and a slingshot
Pg 112 Who played MaWee in the carnival? Jimmie Blassingame
Pg 119 (HC) How much did the Preacher pay for him and Elijah to see the Conjurer/Mesmerist at the Carnival?
Answer: Two American quarters
Pg 120 (HC) What was Elijah afraid was going to happen to him in the ConjurerMesmerist’s tent at the Carnival?
Answer: He was going to float away/levitate
Pg 137 (HC) What does the Preacher call Elijah when talking to the Conjurer about him?
Answer: Ahbo
Pg 143(HC) With whom does Elijah race to put out the candles at the Carnival?
Answer: Madam Sabbar
Pg 157(HC) Why does Emma Collins let the “sin of envy choke her heart”?
Answer: Elijah beat her at being the first child born free in Buxton by 6 days.
Pg 154 What did Old Flapjack do when he saw or smelled something that “weren’t regular?”
Pg 156 What did Elijah see in the woods when he was plowing? Two people, a man and a boy
Pg 158 (HC) Whose job is it to carry the runaway slaves that come to Buxton the last step into being free?
Answer: Emma Collins
Pg 157 What did Emma Collins tote everywhere but school? A sock doll ( a frightsome mess)
Pg 158 What did Elijah and Emma Collins have in common? They are both “fra‐gile”
Pg 166 How does Elijah blow his nose? He plugs one side and blows it out of the other onto the ground or onto
his shirtsleeve for his mother’s sake
Pg 167‐8 What does Emma give the new‐free girl who comes to the settlement?
Answer: Her doll named Birdy
Pg 170 How heavy is the Liberty Bell? 500 pounds
Pg 170 Where was the Liberty Bell made? Pittsburgh, PA
Pg 171 (HC) How many times does the Liberty Bell get rung for each new‐free person who arrives in Buxton?
Answer: 20 times for each person, ten for their old lives and ten more for their new lives.
Pg 171 After the Liberty Bell was rung, what did the new‐free folks do? Climb the ladder to the steeple and rub
the bell with their left hand
Pg 172 How many times did Cooter and Elijah ring the Liberty Bell? 100 times
Pg 178 What was Liza Taylor’s real name? Alice Duncan
Pg 181 What was one of Elijah’s “favouritest” chores? Going to Chatham to check on the mail
Pg 185 Name 2 people in Chatham who had accidents with their horses. Mr. Larry Butler, of the post office and
Mr. MacMahon, the storekeeper
Pg 189 Who took their school lessons at night? All the “growned folks” who hadn’t learned to read or write while
they were slaves in America
Pg 192 Before visiting Mrs. Holton with the letter from Virginia, what behavior did Elijah’s mother warn him
against? Crying and carrying on & tearing out of the house screaming
Pg 192 How many people joined Elijah and his mother to deliver the letter to Mrs. Holton? 12
Pg 194 When had Mrs. Holton’s letter been written? A bout year before it arrived in Buxton
Pg 196 What did Mrs. Holton’s letter tell her? That her husband died under the whip
Pg 201 What would Elijah rather do than sit through a whole morning and afternoon of church? Clean 5 stables,
dig 2 miles of drainage ditch, and clear 3 acres of woodland
Pg 202 Where was the after church picnic? On the shores of Lake Erie
Pg 209 What is the reason for the first time that Elijah’s Ma, when she was a girl, was hit by her own Ma?
Answer: Because she was close enough to see Canada, but she didn’t try to run away to freedom. (p.209 PB)
Pg 212 At the beach what did Pa do with his piece of Ma’s peach pie? He buried it
Pg 218 How much did Elijah earn for rewording Mrs. Holton’s sign? A nickel
Pg 219 What was Mr. Leroy’s pay for carving a memorial sign for Mrs. Holton? A box with $2200 in gold
Pg 219 How much money does Mrs. Holton give to Mr. Leroy for him to use to get his family out of slavery?
Answer: Twenty‐two hundred dollars in gold
Pg 221 What day did John Holton die?
Answer: May 7th, 1859
Pg 220 How was Mr. Leroy going to use the carving money? He was going to buy his wife and two children from
slavery
Pg 225 Whom of Mr. Leroy’s family was he planning on freeing first before Mrs. Holton game him the money?
Answer: His son ‘Zekial so that he could help him work and raise more money for the others.
Pg 230 Who volunteered to arrange for the purchase of Leroy’s family? The Preacher
Pg 231 What did Pa think about the Preacher having Leroy’s money? He advised caution, because they didn’t
know much about the Preacher
Pg 231 What did Pa know about the Preacher (Zeph)? He didn’t live in the settlement, didn’t work regular, he
was gone for long spells of time, he carried a $100 pistol, he was smart and very young
Pg 233 Who did Pa suggest as a traveling companion for Preacher? Theodore Highgate
Pg 236 What did Preacher give to Mr. Leroy to hold until he returned? His fancy pistol
Pg 238 How many days passed before Buxton knew what happened to Preacher and Theodore Highgate? 5
Pg 241 What happened to Mr. Highgate? Preacher shot him
Pg 244 What did Preacher intend to do with Mr. Leroy’s money? Gamble with it
Pg 245 How does the Preacher get away from Mr. Highgate with all the money?
Answer: He unloaded Mr. Highgate’s pistol when he was sleeping
Pg 254 Where was Elijah supposed to be while Ma & Pa were at the meeting about Preacher? At Cooter’s house
Pg 260 What happened as Elijah was creeping up to eavesdrop at the church? He was grabbed and kidnapped
Pg 262 Who snatched Elijah? Mr. Leroy
Pg 263 Why did Mr. Leroy want Elijah along for the trip to the village in Michigan? Elijah could read and Mr.
Leroy was not comfortable dealing with white folks
Pg 264 Why was Elijah relieved that Mr. Leroy was kidnapping him? Because he wouldn’t be in near as much
trouble
Pg 273 What does Elijah pack to take with him when he and Mr. Leroy leave to go find the Preacher?
Answer: a book, 20 of his best chunking stones, ‘Mr. Taylor’s sullied knife,’ and the piece of paper with the address
of the man who helped Mr. Highgate.
Pg 275 Where did Elijah and Mr. Leroy catch the ferry to Michigan? Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Pg 277 How did Elijah care for Jingle Boy on the Michigan trip? He cooled him in the river and cautioned Mr.
Leroy not run the horse so hard
Pg 281 Who were Elijah and Mr. Leroy looking for at the tavern? Mr. Benjamin Alston
Pg 282 How was Mr. Leroy looking after talking to Mr. Alston? Mighty worried and afeared
Pg 283 On the way to East Lee stable, what happened to Mr. Leroy? He fell of f of Jingle Boy and landed on his
face in the dirt
Pg 284 What did Mr. Leroy want Elijah to promise? That he would get the money from Preacher and gut shoot
him
Pg 284 As Mr. Leroy was dying, what name did he call Elijah? Ezekial, his son
Pg 288 How did Elijah deal with the dog at the stable? He used his chunking stones
Pg 290‐292 In what order did Elijah’s senses tell him about the East Lee stable? Ears, nose, eyes
The animals sounded OK, the smell was strange & then his eyes adjusted to the dark
Pg 292 Who was at the other end of the East Lee stable? Preacher
Pg 293 Why was Preacher being so still in the stable? He was dead (Pg 304)
Pg 294 What were the “bundles” in the stable? Five squatted down demons or people Slaves recaptured to be
sent back to slavery(Pg 298)
Pg 294 What did the 4 armed “bundle” ask Elijah? “Is you real or is you a haint?”
Pg 299 What did Elijah give to the woman with the baby? A gourd of water
Pg 299 How did Elijah help the chained men in the stable? He held the water gourd for them to drink
Pg 302 How did Elijah help the boy in the stable? He wiped his nose and held the water gourd for him to drink
Pg 305 Why did Elijah feel shame when he learned that Preacher was dead? Because he was relieved that he
wouldn’t have to keep his word and kill him
Pg 305 What would remind Elijah of Preacher’s death? Emma’s old doll, Birdy
Pg 308 What was Elijah going to try to do for the people in the stable? He was going to free them and get them
away, stealing the horses in the stable(pg 311)
Pg 312 Who was in charge of the 5 people in the stable? Massa Prayder
Pg 315 What was the baby’s mother’s name? Chloe
Pg 302 What was the baby’s father’s name? Kamau
Pg 321 Who did Elijah think would help the people in the stable? Mr. Alston
Pg 325 What was talking to Elijah when he realized that he was going to break his promise to Mrs. Chloe? His
conscience
Pg 328 What squashes the happiness out of Elijah? A grownup telling him that they are disappointed in
something that he did
Pg 338 What was the baby’s name? Hope Too‐mah‐ee‐nee
Pg 340 How did Elijah carry the baby as they rode Jingle‐Boy? In a tote sack on his back
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