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tjwallace04 's review for:
Bud, Not Buddy
by Christopher Paul Curtis
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Bud, Not Buddy" is a heartwarming middle grade novel about a 10yo orphan searching for a place to belong in Depression-era Michigan. I listened to the audiobook narrated by James Avery, and it was absolutely fantastic. His rich, expressive voice really brought the story to life, and there were also jazzy musical interludes that work perfectly with the plot.
This book definitely has a hopeful and heartening take on humanity. Outside of one cruel foster family, Bud only meets kind, caring people who go out of their way to help and share with him while he is on his journey to find family. From a thoughtful librarian who gives him her lunch to a Hooverville community that welcomes him to their communal dinner pot, Bud is rarely without a friend or a meal when he needs one. It might be unrealistic, but it made me happy to imagine, and it is probably the right choice for a book for young readers.
The ending surprised me. I was expecting more resolution and reconciliation than was provided. It is not exactly open-ended, but I was thinking there would be one last scene that brought two key characters together in conversation, and there wasn't. And I kinda loved it. The future reconciliation is hinted at, and that was enough for me. I am curious what kids would think.
I can definitely understand why this book won the Newberry Medal.
This book definitely has a hopeful and heartening take on humanity. Outside of one cruel foster family, Bud only meets kind, caring people who go out of their way to help and share with him while he is on his journey to find family. From a thoughtful librarian who gives him her lunch to a Hooverville community that welcomes him to their communal dinner pot, Bud is rarely without a friend or a meal when he needs one. It might be unrealistic, but it made me happy to imagine, and it is probably the right choice for a book for young readers.
The ending surprised me. I was expecting more resolution and reconciliation than was provided. It is not exactly open-ended, but I was thinking there would be one last scene that brought two key characters together in conversation, and there wasn't. And I kinda loved it. The future reconciliation is hinted at, and that was enough for me. I am curious what kids would think.
I can definitely understand why this book won the Newberry Medal.