The True Life Story of Christopher Paul Curtis By Janelle Colosi Kathryn Hurley Susan Kenien

1. The True Life Story of Christopher Paul Curtis By Janelle Colosi Kathryn Hurley Susan Kenien FACTORY WORKER BECOMES AWARD WINNING NOVELIST The True Life and Times of Christopher Paul Curtis Janelle Colosi Kathryn Hurley Susan Kenien Part 1

2. The Watson’s Go to Birmingham-1963 • How did he do it? • Took 1 year off of work to write • Sat in the children’s library and wrote in longhand. • Son was his first editor • ______________________ • Ballad of Birmingham

3. Who is Christopher Paul Curtis? • Born in Flint, Michigan • Liked reading but couldn’t find books to relate to • Worked for 13 years after high school on assembly line for Flint’s Body Plant #1 • Hate to love: Curtis was able to quit his job and finally start doing a job he loved, writing.

4. “To me the highest accolade comes when a young reader tells me, ‘I really liked your book.’ The young seem to be able to say ‘really’ with a clarity, a faith, and an honesty that we as adults have long forgotten. That is why I write.”—Christopher Paul Curtis

5. Books by Christopher Paul Curtis

6. Praise for Elijah • “...Curtis is a master at balancing the serious and the lighthearted. His latest book is another natural award candidate and makes an excellent case, in a story positively brimming with both truth and sense, for the ability of historical fiction to bring history to life." — The New York Times Book Review • "Curtis's talent for dealing with painful periods of history with grace and sensitivity is as strong as ever." — School Library Journal, starred review • "This arresting, surprising novel of reluctant heroism is about nothing less than nobility." — Horn Book, starred review • "Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves, at times, on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at others, moved to tears. A fine, original novel from a gifted storyteller." — Booklist, starred review • "This is Curtis's best novel yet, and no doubt many readers, young and old, will finish and say, 'This is one of the best books I have ever read.’ " — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

7. Awards ELIJAH OF BUXTON - A Newbery Honor Book- The Coretta Scott King Award- The 2008 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM—1963 —A Newbery Honor Book—A Coretta Scott King Honor Book—An ALA Best Book for Young Adults—An ALA Notable Children’s Book BUD, NOT BUDDY —A Newbery Medal Winner —A Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner —An ALA Best Book for Young Adults—An ALA Notable Children’s Book

8. Teacher Resources • James Madison University-Biographies, Lesson Plans, Literary Criticism: • http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/curtis.htm • Lesson plans: • http://www.webenglishteacher.com/curtis.html • http://www.readwritethink.org/calendar/calendar_day.asp?id=651 • Lesson Plans, Tips for Writers • http://www.randomhouse.com/features/christopherpaulcurtis/

9. Other Resources Biography: • Christopher Paul Curtis By Ann Gaines • http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/158415330X/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link Video Clips: • Video clips of an interview with Christopher Paul Curtis: • http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/curtis • http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collection.jsp?id=49 • Speaking at the Library of Congress Bookfest in 2004: • http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=3590 Contact: • Christopher Paul Curtis’ Website: http://www.nobodybutcurtis.com/ • Fan mail: cpc@cogeco.caAppearances: kaycurtis@cogeco.ca

10. The True Life Story of Christopher Paul Curtis By Janelle Colosi Kathryn Hurley Susan Kenien CHRISTOPHER PAUL CURTIS NOMINATED FOR NAACP IMAGE AWARD Part 1