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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Scrappy little Bud, not Buddy, hits the road in search of a jazz musician.
I'm reading this with my 8 year old son, and enjoying the conversations and questions the book brings up. We laughed, we cried. (Well, I cried). It was good.
This story is one of grit, grief, and grappling. A mild introduction to what some African Americans had to endure during the Great Depression in the United States.
Bud is a young 11 year old searching for a family after the death of his young mother. His journey is one worth following.
Highly recommended for 10+
Bud is a young 11 year old searching for a family after the death of his young mother. His journey is one worth following.
Highly recommended for 10+
Bud, Not Buddy is a fantastic piece of children’s historical fiction, set during the late 1930s in the midst of the Great Depression—a time marked by widespread job loss, homelessness, and minimal government support. Through the eyes of 10-year-old Bud Caldwell, readers get a heartfelt and often humorous look at resilience, hope, and the search for belonging.
From the very beginning, Bud’s journey captivates. We first meet him in an orphanage, where he learns he’ll be moving to a new home. Little does he know, his path will lead him to something even greater—his true family. The story is filled with both laugh-out-loud moments and deeply emotional scenes, making it a compelling read for children and adults alike.
James Avery’s narration of the audiobook was phenomenal, bringing Bud’s voice and experiences to life in such an engaging way. I also appreciated the personal influence of the author, Christopher Paul Curtis, in shaping the story, and his daughter’s singing at the end was an adorable and touching touch.
Beyond its engaging plot, Bud, Not Buddy beautifully explores themes of perseverance, acceptance, family, and kinship. It serves as an excellent introduction for young readers to one of America’s darkest historical periods, making history accessible through a deeply personal and heartfelt story. And, of course, the meaning behind Bud’s name adds an extra layer of significance to his journey.
Overall, this is a must-read for children and a wonderful book for anyone who appreciates rich storytelling with historical depth.
From the very beginning, Bud’s journey captivates. We first meet him in an orphanage, where he learns he’ll be moving to a new home. Little does he know, his path will lead him to something even greater—his true family. The story is filled with both laugh-out-loud moments and deeply emotional scenes, making it a compelling read for children and adults alike.
James Avery’s narration of the audiobook was phenomenal, bringing Bud’s voice and experiences to life in such an engaging way. I also appreciated the personal influence of the author, Christopher Paul Curtis, in shaping the story, and his daughter’s singing at the end was an adorable and touching touch.
Beyond its engaging plot, Bud, Not Buddy beautifully explores themes of perseverance, acceptance, family, and kinship. It serves as an excellent introduction for young readers to one of America’s darkest historical periods, making history accessible through a deeply personal and heartfelt story. And, of course, the meaning behind Bud’s name adds an extra layer of significance to his journey.
Overall, this is a must-read for children and a wonderful book for anyone who appreciates rich storytelling with historical depth.
adventurous
emotional
funny
relaxing
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this book. The main character was so easy to like and feel for.
I'm back! I had forgotten how delightful YA novels can be. This story, set in the 1930s, about a 10-year old orphan in search of his real father is funny, sad, serious, and interesting. Thanks to the author for bringing me back to the YA genre. Next up, the sequel, The Might Miss Malone. Can't wait.
This was assigned for my child’s English class. The story of Bud, a child growing up in Flint, Michigan during the Great Depression , it follows him on a journey to try and find his father after his mother dies and he is sent to a home. Bud encounters awful foster placements, hopping trains, and eventually finding his place in the world. Thoroughly enjoyed the story and he characters he meets along the way.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes