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.
- Books
- Middle Grade Fiction & Indies
- Middle Grade Fiction
- The Journey of Little Charlie
The Journey of Little Charlie
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
9+
Release Date
January 30, 2018
ISBN
978-0545156660
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.
Editor reviews
2 reviews
Growing up at a Young Age
(Updated: June 30, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
THE JOURNEY OF LITTLE CHARLIE features a boy named Charlie who is forced to grow up quickly. When Charlie's dad passes away, he leaves behind a $50 debt to Cap’n Buck. That may not sound like a lot today, but it was for the year 1858. Charlie's mom barely has enough money to feed them let alone to pay off her late husband's debt.
To help pay off the debt, Charlie joins Cap'n Buck's crew to work as they travel North. Charlie couldn't have imagined how cruel Cap'n Buck is and how terrible slavery is. Charlie has the courage to change things, but is naive to the ways of the world. This journey changes so much for him and opens his eyes to reality.
To me, Charlie felt so real and I could see his story unfolding vividly. Christopher Paul Curtis has a way of breathing life to his characters and they grow on you quickly. Being from the south, the southern dialect was welcoming and gave it a Cajun feel. Don't forget to read the Author's Note because it makes you love the story even more.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of adventure, history, the 1800s, and sensitive topics like slavery.
To help pay off the debt, Charlie joins Cap'n Buck's crew to work as they travel North. Charlie couldn't have imagined how cruel Cap'n Buck is and how terrible slavery is. Charlie has the courage to change things, but is naive to the ways of the world. This journey changes so much for him and opens his eyes to reality.
To me, Charlie felt so real and I could see his story unfolding vividly. Christopher Paul Curtis has a way of breathing life to his characters and they grow on you quickly. Being from the south, the southern dialect was welcoming and gave it a Cajun feel. Don't forget to read the Author's Note because it makes you love the story even more.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of adventure, history, the 1800s, and sensitive topics like slavery.
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