"Curtis's books occupy that all too rare space in middle grade lit; they're school curriculum standbys that are also crowd pleasers... Curtis's ninth novel is among his most suspenseful... Curtis is also a master at shifting tones -- and so for every nail-biting moment, there's a note of goofy joy or slapstick humor... 'Little Charlie' is a keeper: Raised in poverty, ignorance, and racism, Charlie develops his own moral compass -- and becomes brave enough to act on it." -- New York Times Book Review* "Curtis portrays Charlie as a product of his white Southern upbringing and values, skillfully conveying how his widening view of the world leads to a change in his thinking. Written in persuasive dialect and piloted by a hero who finds the courage to do what he knows is right, Curtis's unsparing novel pulls no punches as it illuminates an ugly chapter of American history." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review* "Newbery winner Curtis once again successfully draws on the stories about enslaved people who found freedom in Canada... A characteristically lively and complex addition to the historical fiction of the era from Curtis." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "A thought-provoking book from a master storyteller." -- School Library Journal, starred review* "Curtis's ability to intertwine humor and tragedy, change pacing effectively, and find hope in the direst of circumstances is masterful... Readers will be riveted by the conclusion... if they can see the words through their tears." -- The Horn Book, starred review* "This is an old story demanding to be told a new way, and master storyteller Curtis proves just the one to do it." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review"Ultimately inspiring, but never simplistic, this should spark plenty of discussion." -- Booklist"Will resonate with readers for its timeless themes of justice, self-awareness and questions of right and wrong... modern parallels abound, offering a clear gateway for discussions that are painfully important today." -- BookPage"This is a compelling and ugly story for middle-grade readers told with genuine care... Christopher Paul Curtis does it again." -- Historical Novel Society"The latest marvelous novel of the African-American experience from acclaimed author Christopher Paul Curtis" -- The Buffalo News