A review by lanaerae
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

5.0

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.