Crossword Puzzle Pack for Use with Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

These Elijah of Buxton crossword puzzles check vocabulary and story details from Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis, written for Grades 6-9. It is a no-prep 48-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
• Grades: 6th–9th
• Resource type: Crossword puzzles
• Format: 48-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6, L.8.4, L.8.6, L.9-10.4, L.9-10.6 and more
• Price: $3.00

Challenge your students to think deeper about Elijah of Buxton with this no-prep crossword puzzle pack for Christopher Paul Curtis’s Newbery Honor novel. Each puzzle pushes readers to recall key details, interpret vocabulary in context, and make meaningful connections chapter by chapter.

If you’re looking for a way to hold students accountable for reading while building critical thinking skills — without adding extra grading to your plate — this is it. The crosswords are ready to print and pair perfectly with your existing novel study.

What’s Included:

• 12 total puzzles — 10 chapter-unit crosswords covering all 24 narrative chapters (grouped as Units 1–10) plus 2 cumulative whole-book review crosswords
• Clues crafted from a thoughtful mix of literal recall, light inference, and vocabulary-in-context — drawing directly from character development, plot events, setting details, and thematic language
• Each puzzle contains approximately 15–20 words, with a difficulty progression designed to challenge Grades 6–9 readers without overwhelming them
• Complete answer keys for every crossword — grading is quick, painless, and students can even self-check
• Well-illustrated with original, classroom-appropriate artwork featuring Elijah Freeman, Mr. Leroy, and the Preacher
• Available in both full-color and printer-friendly black & white versions
• 48 pages total — just print the pages you need and go

These crosswords shine in so many settings: use them as chapter quizzes, collaborative review stations, homework assignments, sub plans, or even as a fun, low-stakes end-of-unit celebration. They’re flexible enough to work with whole-class instruction, small groups, or independent practice.

By asking students to read closely, cite textual evidence, and determine the meaning of words in context, these puzzles directly support Common Core standards RL.6.1, RL.6.4, RL.7.1, RL.7.4, RL.8.1, RL.8.4, RL.9.1, RL.9.4 and L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6, L.8.4, L.8.6, L.9.4, L.9.6. They’re an easy, high-engagement way to reinforce the literary analysis skills you’re already teaching.

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and give your students a fresh way to show what they know about Elijah’s journey.

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. All references to characters, settings, and events are used for educational purposes only to support reading comprehension and classroom instruction. This resource does not include the original text. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content in this resource is original and created by the seller.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More Elijah of Buxton resources

All Elijah of Buxton activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 6-9 (TpT lists 6th-9th).

How long is it?

It is a 48-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 1 Week.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of Elijah of Buxton?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($3.00) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.