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Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis Plot Summary(from back of book)- ‘It’s 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Times may be hard, and ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but Bud’s got a few things going for him: 1. He has his own suitcase full of special things. 2. He’s the author of Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself. 3. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: flyers advertising Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression!!!!!! Bud’s got an idea that those flyers will lead him to his father. Once he decides to hit the road and find this mystery man, nothing can stop him—not hunger, not fear, not vampires, not even Herman E. Calloway himself.’ Positive- Bud is such a smart, imaginative, and likeable kid it’s easy to fall in step right beside him in the story and feel a child’s sense of how things work in the world during the Depression. He is a keen observer, as witnessed in his ‘rules and things for having a funner life and making a better liar out of yourself’, of which there are well over 300. “Rules and Things #83 – If a Adult Tells You Not to Worry, and You Weren’t Worried Before, You Better Hurry Up and Start ‘Cause You’re Already Running Late.” Bud’s wit and well-mannered charm get him out of more scrapes than they get him in to. Other characters in the story are only around for a couple chapters at most, but they are so richly written you quickly get a sense of their entire personalities. My favorite character, besides Bud, is Lefty Lewis whose warm, charismatic manner charms like a favorite uncle or grandpa. The fact that he has important lessons to teach Bud (and us, the readers) about labor unions’ roles in pulling together communities to evaluate self worth with a solid work ethic doesn’t hurt either. Negative- Although Bud’s circumstances are desperate at times, overall we get the feeling that all will be well with him by the end of the book. That glimmer of hope makes most of the situations he finds himself in enjoyable to read, even when they are so desperate. However, there is never a reason in this day and age to put a gun in a child’s hand within a story written for children. Bud’s foster family has treated him in an extremely abusive manner. Bud is tired, and in pain, and wants revenge. When Bud picks up the shotgun Mr. Amos propped against the side of the icebox, he imagines himself putting the shotgun under the son’s nose. Then Bud decides he would “have to do some quick moving to get the grown-up Amos’”. The author, Mr. Curtis, tries to make up for this horrible imagery in the very next paragraph by having Bud decide guns are too dangerous to play with, but he’d would’ve done better to leave the gun out of the story altogether. All in All- I liked this book immensely! Getting a glimpse into life during the Great Depression, with special attention paid to the struggle of African American families, was both entertaining and (my children would groan) educational. This book is recommended for children ages 9-12, and I think that age group is just right as long as parents are willing to address the negative aspects of the story with their kids.Read full review
His books are so well-written and I love his perspective. Such a good author for young adults, also.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Boys and Girls will love the story "Bud Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis! A heart-warming story that takes you on an adventure into the life of a ten-year-old boy. Growing up without a mother, bud is on the run. This tale will keep you on the edge of your seat- just what will Bud come across next? He has his suitcase and many clues to find out who his father is. This is a Newberry Medal book and rightfully so! Going back into time- 1936 time of the great Depression, you won't be depressed if you purchae this one!
Very good book. Brilliant end.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great book
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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