Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold)
Scholastic Inc. 2012
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- courage
- coming of age
- community
- slavery and abolition
- justice
- family
- identity
About this book
Eleven-year-old Elijah is the first child born free in the Buxton settlement of formerly enslaved people in Canada. With humor, heart, and a captivating voice, he navigates everyday mishaps while learning what freedom, responsibility, and courage truly mean. Christopher Paul Curtis blends adventure and history to bring the era of the Underground Railroad to life in a way that’s accessible to middle-grade readers. Perfect for kids who like thoughtful historical stories with memorable characters and touches of humor.
Setting: Buxton (Elgin Settlement), Ontario, Canada, early 1860s along the U.S.–Canadian border
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold) right for my child?
Yes — Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold) is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include freedom, courage, coming of age.
How long does it take to read Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold) takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold) has an AR quiz available, worth 12 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold)?
Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic Gold) has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.