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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
This is a great middle grade book! I don't think it packs quite the iconic punch of The Watsons Go to Birmingham, but that might be more to do with my childhood nostalgia. I don't remember my experience with this book as a kid, I'm sure I read it, but it didn't stick with me.
I think maybe in some ways is because it's more of an escapist fantasy than the other book of his I've read. Where one is about a family that's more or less supportive and content, going through serious traumas together. And this one is about an extremely rough and terrible thing - the main character of this book his a homeless eleven-year-old who's been on his own since his mother died when he was six. It's rough. He sleeps outdoors, doesn't know where his next meal is coming from, etc. But then, he ends up going on this adventure and finding a ready-made family and all these kind people who will support him forever. So it's kind of the inverse of the other book. I thought there were parts that were pretty harrowing, but for the most part I just had the vague feeling of: "good for Bud, I'm glad he'll be okay."
I was imagining a young reader getting to the "twist" in the book about who Herman E. Calloway really is, and how exciting that would have been. I actually got a bit of goosebumps myself when the moment came that Bud first revealed his mother's name. But of course, it's not exactly difficult to put the pieces together for an adult reader. Still a good turn in the story, I thought!
I think maybe in some ways is because it's more of an escapist fantasy than the other book of his I've read. Where one is about a family that's more or less supportive and content, going through serious traumas together. And this one is about an extremely rough and terrible thing - the main character of this book his a homeless eleven-year-old who's been on his own since his mother died when he was six. It's rough. He sleeps outdoors, doesn't know where his next meal is coming from, etc. But then, he ends up going on this adventure and finding a ready-made family and all these kind people who will support him forever. So it's kind of the inverse of the other book. I thought there were parts that were pretty harrowing, but for the most part I just had the vague feeling of: "good for Bud, I'm glad he'll be okay."
I was imagining a young reader getting to the "twist" in the book about who Herman E. Calloway really is, and how exciting that would have been. I actually got a bit of goosebumps myself when the moment came that Bud first revealed his mother's name. But of course, it's not exactly difficult to put the pieces together for an adult reader. Still a good turn in the story, I thought!
Bud not buddy was a great book! I couldn't put it down!
With in the first page I was hooked. I had to find out what happened to Buds father. I have to say that I was a little disappointed that Bud did not find his father. But in the end I was ok with it because he found miss Thomas who I liked so much.
After all that Bud went though I was so glad when he found miss Thomas! She was perfect for Bud.
Over all this book held my interest throughout the whole story! I never wanted to put it down! I was so surprised when all of the sudden the book was over! I would easily give this book 5 stars and recommend it to any friend!
With in the first page I was hooked. I had to find out what happened to Buds father. I have to say that I was a little disappointed that Bud did not find his father. But in the end I was ok with it because he found miss Thomas who I liked so much.
After all that Bud went though I was so glad when he found miss Thomas! She was perfect for Bud.
Over all this book held my interest throughout the whole story! I never wanted to put it down! I was so surprised when all of the sudden the book was over! I would easily give this book 5 stars and recommend it to any friend!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I actually really enjoyed this. It is not at all what I expected this story to be about. For a long time I was unsure where the plot was going but this kind of story line reconnecting long lost family is actually one I enjoy alot in historical fiction books I read. And it appears this is meant to be like a middle grade historical fiction book surrounding the great depression. Which is also a time period I have not read many books in if any. Most historical fiction novels focus on world war two.
I am a huge fan of Christopher Paul Curtis' work and Bud, Not Buddy is one of his best. There's just something irresistible about a child finding a family. I've read this before, but it was well-worth reading again, especially to prepare for his new book, The Mighty Miss Malone.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
With a diverse cast of characters, readers find themselves rooting for Bud to safely get to his destination. As an adult reader, I felt like a security blanket for Bud and my child, who read along with me, simply wanted to see where he was heading. Different stages in life and two different reading experiences. This is a wonderful book. A page turner.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Bud is a very charming character. His "rules and things" are pretty insightful for a 9 year old. I was so invested in these characters that I literally cried at the end. Loved this book.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No