The Journey of Little Charlie

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A boy must choose between conscience and survival when faced with a dangerous debt collector's demands.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,166 ratings

272 pages· 48,178 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Charlie faces a dire choice after his father's death leaves him in debt to the menacing Cap'n Buck. Tasked with tracking fugitives, Charlie's mission takes a turn when he uncovers their true identities. Now, caught between his conscience and survival, Charlie must decide his next move before Cap'n Buck discovers the truth. Will he choose justice or self-preservation in a world fraught with danger and moral complexity?

From the publisher

The National Book Award finalist by Christopher Paul Curtis!The Journey of Little Charlie joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!Twelve-year-old Charlie is down on his luck: His sharecropper father just died and Cap’n Buck – the most fearsome man in Possum Moan, South Carolina – has come to collect a debt. Fearing for his life, Charlie strikes a deal with Cap’n Buck and agrees to track down some folks accused of stealing from the cap’n and his boss. It’s not too bad of a bargain for Charlie… until he comes face-to-face with the fugitives and discovers their true identities. Torn between his guilty conscience and his survival instinct, Charlie needs to figure out his next move – and soon. It’s only a matter of time before Cap’n Buck catches on.Newbery Medalist Christopher Paul Curtis brings his trademark humor and heart to this story of a boy struggling to do right in the face of history’s cruelest evils.