Bud, Not Buddy- A Cool Kid With an Even Cooler Story

Bibliography:
Curtis, C. P. (1999). Bud, not Buddy. New York: Yearling.

Awards:
Newberry Medal Winner
Coretta Scott King Award Winner
An ALA Notable Children's Book
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
A New York Times Notable Book of the Year

Author Christopher Paul Curtis tells the story of a young motherless boy, Bud Campbell, in his fictional story, Bud, Not Buddy. Bud begins the story living in an orphanage and minding his own business, when one day, he is informed, much to his chagrin, that he has been chosen by a set of parents who want him to come live in their home. Bud goes, but soon finds out that these people don't have his best interests in mind. After a fist fight with their biological son, a few hornet stings, and a night spent in the family's garden shed, Bud finally breaks free. His mother has died, and he sets out to meet the father that he has never known. Along the way, he meets a few people who teach him about living in poverty, and he finally ends up taking refuge with a band led by a man named Herman E. Calloway. What he discovers while living with these people changes his life forever.

The language in this book is very easy to read, and could probably be suggested for readers on a reading level as low as fourth or fifth grade. It is told in first person, and the reader learns along with Bud on his journey to find his father. It is appropriate for even young readers, and the plot is very easy to follow. It addressess the issue of race at a few points in the novel, as well as the fact that some children grow up without father figure present in their lives. It's a great book for any child who has lost a relative or has any experience with foster homes, and everything turns out well for Bud in the end.

This book could probably be taught as a read aloud in any classroom, although the reading level and content level might be a little young for middle school readers. It would be a great book to start class with everyday, as everyone in the class would easily be able to follow Bud's journey to find his father. It could also be used for individual reading, especially for a struggling reader.

Altogether, I thought that the book was interesting. I enjoyed hearing everything from Bud's perpective, because sometimes hearing even the most serious things come from the viewpoint of a child can make you laugh. I think it's a good book, and I would love to read more form this author.