Bud, Not Buddy

A fiction book written by Christopher Paul Curtis that follows the life of a boy named Bud Caldwell. It takes place in the 1930s during the great depression in Flint, Michigan and Bud’s mother has died. He found her dead on the floor in her bedroom. Bud is six years old and ends up in a foster home. He has a clue about who is father may be and is set to find him. Bud is bullied by one of his foster parent’s children and ends up running away. Bud runs into friends and trouble along his way like police officers preventing him from getting on a train. Finally, he runs into Mr. Lewis who knows his father, Herman Calloway. Mr. Lewis drops Bud off at the place his father is known to frequent. Fortunately, Mr. Calloway is at the place and where he works as a band member. Bud tells him he is his father, but Mr. C does not believe him. It turns out Mr. C collected rocks like Bud’s father. The connection helps connect the fact that Bud is Mr. C’s grandson. In the end, Bud stays in his mother’s old room and is no longer without a home. An excellent story for teachers that want to provide a perspective for students about the difficulties during the great depression. Also, a touching story of loss and helplessness will help children empathize with others.

Curtis, C. P. (2002). Bud, Not Buddy. Yearling.