By: Christopher Paul Curtis
Delacorte Press, 1990
Reading Level: 5.0 (Accelerated Reader)
Guided Reading
Description:
Historical Fiction, Newbery Medal Winner, Multicultural Literature, Diversity
Bud Caldwell is a young boy growing up during the Great Depression, a time of hardship for many Americans during the 1930's. After the death of his mother, Bud is placed in an orphanage and eventually winds up in the foster care of the Amos family. However, after a more than unpleasant stay Bud decides to run away and heads out to Grand Rapids to find famous musician Herman Calloway, who he believes to be his father. The long journey ends with a surprise that changes the lives of both Bud and Herman Calloway forever. Christopher Paul Curtis hits upon the issues of family relationships, racial inequality, and the struggles of life in this Newbery Medal winning story.
*Teacher Resources for Bud, Not Buddy
Supporting Electronic Resources:
Scholastic
This website offers a variety of pre, during and post-reading interdisciplinary activities as well as addresses vocabulary and major themes of Bud, Not Buddy.
Digital History
With letters written by children during the Great Depression, links to pictures, and an overview of the 1930's, Digital History is a great website to use during pre-reading activities.
Vocabulary Words:
Great Depression, Hooverville, Pullman, insinuate, companionship, copacetic, paltry, knickers, shun, porter, Commie/Communist, loathsome, Ku Klux Klan, moldering, fester, meddling, kin
Teaching Suggestions:
-Use this book in conjunction with a unit on the Great Depression
-Discuss poverty and racial inequality before having students read this book
-Use chapter grids to create short summaries after each chapter
Comprehension Suggestions:
During Reading- Map out Bud's journey as he travels to various places throughout the story. At each location, make note of what Bud does and sees, who he meets, and anything else of significance.
After Reading- Have students write a summary about Bud's journey. In this summary they should make mention of main characters, places, and events.
Writing Activities:
Student can pretend that they are children living during the Great Depression just like Bud. Have them create journals of what they see, feel, and experience in their everyday lives.
