Christopher Paul Curtis Author Study
Christopher Paul Curtis confronts powerful issues in his books. Racism, family, love, and hope are recurring themes in novels such as the Newbery Honor-winning The Watsons Go To Birmingham—1963, Bud, Not Buddy, for which he was awarded both the Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Medal, and Elijah of Buxton, also a Newbery Honor winner and Coretta Scott King Award winner.
In a video interview in June 2007, Curtis discussed how he creates captivating characters and stories. Watch this exclusive interview to learn how the author got his start, where he finds inspiration, and how he's developed a personal writing process. Curtis also offers advice for teachers and students, an inside look at his 2007 novel Elijah of Buxton, and much more.
- Christopher Paul Curtis's Biography
- Christopher Paul Curtis's List of works
- Watch the video interview with Christopher Paul Curtis.
- Watch the Elijah of Buxton video trailer.
Resources
Elijah of Buxton Booktalk
Elijah was the first free baby born in Buxton, the first person there who had never been owned by a slave master.
Elijah of Buxton Discussion Guide
Discussion questions for Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Elijah of Buxton Extension Activity
Curriculum connections include activities in social studies, writing, art, drama, music, and performance for Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Bud, Not Buddy Discussion Guide
Bud, Not Buddy tells the story of a young boy who lives in Michigan during the Great Depression.
Bud, Not Buddy Author's Note
It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but he's on a mission.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 Author's Note
Enter the hilarious world of the ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watson's of Flint, Michigan.
Christopher Paul Curtis Interview Transcript
Christopher Paul Curtis was a featured author in Scholastic's Online Reading Club, where students and teachers discussed his books. Then Christopher Paul Curtis himself joined in the conversation.
Text Excerpt from Elijah of Buxton
by Christopher Paul Curtis
A text excerpt from master storyteller Christopher Paul Curtis' book Elijah of Buxton.
Lesson Plans
by Kechia Williams
Teach students how to identify the themes in a literary text by analyzing the other elements-plot, setting, and characters
