1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curtis, Christopher Paul. 1999. BUD, NOT BUDDY. New York, NY: Delacourt Press. ISBN 0385323069
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Set during the Great Depression in the 1930's this book gives us a glimpse into the life of an orphan who is in constant search of a better life.
With only a battered suitcase to his name, Bud runs away from one bad living situation to another. Moving from an orphanage to a foster home, eventually Bud sets out on his own. Clinging to a flyer about a jazz band that he knew was important to his mother, Bud makes his way to Grand Rapids, Michican in search of the man named in the flyer, Herman Calloway, whom he believes is his father.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Here we see the world through the eyes of a ten year old. Bud is a wonderful character whom we simultaneously feel sorry for yet cheer for. He has an unbelievably good nature for someone who has found his mother dead, has lived in an orphanage, and who has been abused at the hands of his peers.
Resolving to run away, Bud meets challenges but finds kind strangers who help him along the way; a family who "adopts" him so that he can eat at a mission; a kind man who drives him to his destination and invites Bud into his home.
What Christopher Paul Curtis has done is created a character that makes you want to turn the page. I probably should have known what was going to happen next, but I didn't. I was struck by the juxtaposition of Bud's innocence and maturity. At times, I couldn't tell which was which.
All along, I thought that his search for Herman Calloway was a lark. I was absolutely stunned to find out that he was actually Bud's grandfather and that Bud was sleeping in his mother's old bedroom. When I found out, it was a moment I won't forget. I closed the book. My eyes opened wide. I remember saying the word, "wow", about 10 times.
I have since recommended this book to my mother and other teachers. With so many new books out, some get lost in the shuffle. This book is a prime example. I am the only one who has ever taken it out of the elementary library. It will now be used in my library curriculum!
Tunnel and Jacobs' criterea for historical fiction has been met.
1. There is no sugar-coating in this book. The details of the depression and foster care are quite vivid.
2. In the same vein, historical accuracy regarding places and facts is accurate with descriptions of the cities involved and the music as well.
3. The physical environment, patterns of daily living and spirit of the times lives through the music as well as the decription of the living conditions.
4. The story is told through the eyes of our young protagonist, Bud.
5. The writing style avoids giving too much attention to historical detail, concentrating more on the story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* A 1999 Gold Medal Award Winner from PARENT'S CHOICE: "An orphaned runaway, Bud copes with the adult world with his numbered "Rules and Things." His few treasures from his former life with "Momma," are kept in a battered suitcase. One, a flyer advertising a musical group, leads him on a fantasy journey to an amazing reality."
* Starred review from BOOKLIST: "Told in the boy's naive, desperate voice, with lots of examples of his survival tactics, this will make a great read-aloud. Curtis says in an afterword that some of the characters are based on real people, including his own grandfathers, so it's not surprising that the rich blend of tall tale, slapstick, sorrow, and sweetness has the wry, teasing warmth of family folklore."
5. CONNECTIONS
*Because many of the events here center around the time of the Great Depression, perhaps a bit of background might help. Devise a worksheet on "Then and Now" prices. Also, many resource are on the internet about this topic, including pictures. Use this to open the eyes and minds of the students. Google is a good place to start.
*Have students make up their own "Rules and Things". What are some things they have learned in their few short years? What rules would they include? This may be an eye-opener. Watch out!
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