Bud, Not Buddy

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Genre: Historical Fiction
Awards: Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Medal, Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, Golden Kite Award for Fiction
Grade Level: 3rd - 8th

Bud is a young boy who was born in Flint, Michigan. When he was six years old, his mother passed away and his only option was an orphanage; his father was never around. Bud and his friend Jerry find foster families that are willing to take them in, however, Bud's foster family is not as nice as they seem. The Amos family is strict and the older Amos son causes trouble for Bud. One of Bud's punishments for misbehaving was Mrs, Amos locking Bud in a shed and hiding Bud's prized possession; his suitcase. Bud's suitcase holds valuable possessions, one being a flyer that gives a clue to who his father might be. Bud is determined to find his father, Herman E. Calloway. Bud leaves his foster family, and takes a journey to find his father. Bud encounters many people and an old friend, Bugs. Bud lives by these rules to make his life a bit better:Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself. During his journey, Bud spends nights at the library, rides train cars, eats breakfast with his pretend family, and stays at his new friend Deza. Bud continues to travel until he meets Herman E. Calloway in Grand Rapids. At first Calloway was skeptical while his jazz members treat Bud kindly. The jazz members take Bud and take care of him, and through this Bud finds a family. While trying to discover the truth, Calloway finds rocks that he thinks bud stole. However, Bud did not. Bud's rocks given to him by his momma reveal a huge secret; Herman E. Calloway is his grandfather. 

This book is a great read. It is humorous and very captivating. I would not use this book in my classroom because it is not age appropriate. For older students, this book could be should be used as a class read. This book would be good to read during the history content area. Students could participate in a book club. I encourage educators to give the opportunity for their students to read this book. It was great!