Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Bud, not Buddy, is a 10-year-old orphan who is on the run during the American Great Depression. His last foster home was too much for him; they were rude, crude, and there was no way he was staying. The only thing Bud carries with him is his suitcase, full of all his priceless possessions. In the suitcase are flyers advertising the band of Herman E. Calloway. Bud just knows that the flyers are pointing him to his father; so finding Mr. Calloway is what he sets out to do. He struggles on the way when it comes to finding food and places to sleep. He winds up in one of the infamous Hoovervilles for a little while before continuing on. Lefty Lewis, a nice old man who takes him straight to Herman E. Calloway’s club, picks him up on his journey when he is unsafe territory late at night. Coming face to face with Calloway starts an emotional roller coaster ride that lands Bud right where he wants to be. He figures out who he is, finds a place to call home, and puts his past to rest.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis is a thought-provoking novel that provides an accurate view of the times during the Great Depression. It portrays being on the run as a scary and exciting adventure. It also teaches its readers about the hardships that can come from being on your own with no place to go. It portrays the idea of homelessness as one that can be overcome with the feelings of hope and strength. Children can relate to the novel on several different fronts. The novel is from Bud’s point of view; his thoughts, feelings, and humor are all on a child’s level. It makes references to grown-ups in the way that a child would make them

“RULES AND THINGS NUMBER 87
When a Adult Tells You They Need Your Help
With a Problem Get Ready to Be Tricked-
Most Times This Means They Just Want You to
Go Fetch Something for Them.” (Curtis, 103)

The novel will give any child a learning experience that they can enjoy and relate to on their terms. Curtis has provided his readers with something personal and educational. He admits that his only regret in the writing of this novel is that he waited too long to get more information from the most valuable sources, his grandparents. The book has radiating themes of family, strength, hope, faith, and love; there is something for everyone to enjoy and take away.

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. New York: Yearling, 1999.