Bud, Not Buddy
Written by Christopher Paul Curtis
2000 Coretta Scott King Award
2000 Newbery Medal
This book takes place in 1963 during the Great Depression. The main character is a ten year old boy named Bud Caldwell. Bud lives in an orphanage in Flint, Michigan. He lived in the orphanage since he was six years old when his mother died. After numerous attempts of living in foster homes, Bud escapes this life and starts on his own. His mission is to find his long lost father and his only clue is some old fliers that advertise a famous band his mother left behind. Bud eventually finds this band and the man he believes to be his father, but after unveiling all of Bud's clues that man was not his father but his grandfather who had been waiting for his mother to come back some day...Bud finally had the family he had always wished for.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is hard not to love this boy who has been through such trouble at such a young age. The way Bud acts and thinks is similar to many young boys.You feel for him and really want something good to happen to Bud. Bud's list of Rules and Things to Have a Funner Like and Make a Better Liar of Yourself are humorous and so very true. Students cannot help but to love this easy to read story that will keep them interested and wanting to read more. Many students will be able to relate to Bud and with the troubles he faces along the way and that with the fact that he never knew his father. Also, the relationship and bond between Bud and his grandfather is something many students can relate to.
Although this book is fictional it teaches children about what the Great Depression was like during the 1930's. Even some of the characters were based on real people.
Another great book by Christopher Paul Curtis is The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963.
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