Book Review: Bud, Not Buddy |
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Book Review
Bud, not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (Laurel Leaf, 2004)
Ages 9-12
For a book so substantial, Bud not Buddy sure is a lot of fun. It's a historical novel about the Jazz age, with detailed rendering of the great depression as seen through the eyes of a child. But the character, Bud, is so lively, smart, and funny that, here at Big Learning Central, we couldn't put the book down.
Bud has it tough as the book opens. His mother is four years dead, and he doesn't know who his father is. After getting sent to an abusive foster home, he runs away to find a jazz musician he suspects is his father.
Bud is experienced dealing with adults who may or may not have his best interest at heart. He's developed a numbered list of rules, which he calls "Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself." Rule 83, for example: "If an adult tells you not to worry, and you weren't worried before, you better hurry up and start 'cause you're already running late."
The story has a great rhythm that alternates between poignant heart tugs and delightful innocent fun. This is another winner from the Newberry list, and a great choice for a read aloud.
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