Slavery

The issues of slavery, and freedom from it, predominate this story. Although this is an uplifting tale written with a substantial degree of humor, the horrors of slavery in America are shown starkly through the narration of the first free-born black boy in Buxton. William King's vision of a haven for runaway slaves turned into a thriving Settlement where those who were lucky enough to get away, could live their lives in safety, freedom and self-respect.

The misery of the southern slave comes through in many ways. Mr. Leroy is a quiet man who has suffered terribly and wants nothing more than to free his family. He carries pain around with him that is vented in his hard labor. A gentle man, he slaps young Elijah to the ground for using a racist word that has stung him all his life.

Elijah's mother, Sarah, tells Mrs. Holton the...