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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
1930s Michigan, times are tough. For young Bud, they're especially tough. His mother died when he was six, he doesn't know his father, the homes he's been living in are anything but welcoming. He's finally had enough. He knows when something isn't working. Young or not, it's time to venture out on his own. His mother left behind so little, some of the things were about one man, they were surely meant to be clues for him. She must have known she'd die young and wanted to prepare him. Well he'd solve the mystery. Young, poor, black, male, alone walking on dark roads? I have to admit as soon as Bud headed out ai cringed, worried for our young hero. Forget the search for daddy, this was going to be a disaster. I should have had more faith. Our young lad had already spent four years in hell, by luck and just flat out character, he is destined to go on an adventure. A slightly unrealistic one in many ways and yet realistic at the same time.
Bud and everyone he meets (after leaving the "homes") are likeable, believable people that you'd want to hang out with. Although the answer to Bud's biggest question becomes obvious before the reveal, it doesn't matter because every moment is so enjoyable. These are people you want to laugh with, watch play, cry for. Finding Bud's father is simply a means to bring them all together.
Bud and everyone he meets (after leaving the "homes") are likeable, believable people that you'd want to hang out with. Although the answer to Bud's biggest question becomes obvious before the reveal, it doesn't matter because every moment is so enjoyable. These are people you want to laugh with, watch play, cry for. Finding Bud's father is simply a means to bring them all together.
Great historical fiction. Themes - perseverance, family, adoption, 1930's, african american experience.
Bud has an engaging voice and his trajectory is a good balance of self-determination and "kid at the mercy of adults". I was rooting for him from page 1. The afterword is a touching tribute to the author's grandfathers, who inspired two of the characters.
This book is an interesting story about a young orphan on the search for his father, armed only with the clues that his late mother left behind. It is humorous, intriguing, historical, and at times, sad. This book could be used as part of a history lesson in an older elementary classroom. It gives background information on Hoovervilles, orphanages, and what times were like in Michigan during the Hoover-era. It is also just an entertaining read for children, as many of them will likely be able to relate to Bud's honesty, and his witty book of rules.
A vibrant portrait of trying to find family during the Depression. Set against a jazzy backdrop, Curtis's book is a tour de force of energy and enthusiasm. Witty, charming, and eminently listenable in audiobook format. A true delight to listen to.
I really enjoyed this story. Buddy, sorry, I mean Bud runs away to find his father. On his journey he finds so much more. A sweet story with some sad parts and some funny parts ( Sleepy la Bone). A mellow read.
I didn't expect a book about a black orphan in the Great Depression to be funny, but it was! I laughed out loud several times. Bud is truly a great literary creation.
Have seen this around for ages and wondered why I'd never read it...well, it came out in 1999 when I was way past school aged lit. Our daughter read it in 4th grade. Happy to say that I can check it off my list of great books that I missed.
Love that the author based some of his characters on his own grandfathers.
Love that the author based some of his characters on his own grandfathers.
Argh...I keep falling asleep everytime I read this book.
I want another volume of this story, at least!! Gotta love a brave protagonist who sees the world with such clarity (mixed with typical kid perspective that gets him into interesting adventures)! I loved the story and am just sad that it ended when things got really good!!