Module 3February 1-7
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Summary:
This is a heartwarming tale, set in the Depression Era, about a young African American boy who has lost his mother and never knew his father. The story begins with young Bud in an orphanage about to be taken to a new foster family. The foster family is not very kind and Bud soon runs away. He sets out on an adventure to find the man who he assumes to be his father. Bud shows tremendous courage and determination as he makes his way to Grand Rapids, Michigan. He meets interesting characters along the way who help him on his journey. His naivety shows through as he seems unaware of the dangers that face a young African American boy working his way through an area that is filled with racial hatred. Although his adventure does not end as he expected, he does find the love and support he was searching for.
Thoughts of a Book Worm:
Thoughts of a Book Worm:
This is a great book choice for older children in grades 4-7. I thought this was an entertaining tale of a young boy filled with humor and determination to find the love and acceptance of family. Curtis does a great job of filling the story in with factual aspects of the depression, racial tensions, as well as the music industry during this time. Boys as well as girls will enjoy the adventure, drama, and present in this story.
Reviews:
"Children's book fans had a red-letter day when the Newbery Award was announced. Curtis' book follows a young African-American boy as he struggles to find a home during the Depression. The author takes on a difficult time and seemingly sad plot, but Bud, the hero, has humor and originality that will open new doors and understanding about this era." Reviewer: Susie Wilde - Children's Literature
"Gr 4-7-When 10-year-old Bud Caldwell runs away from his new foster home, he realizes he has nowhere to go but to search for the father he has never known: a legendary jazz musician advertised on some old posters his deceased mother had kept. A friendly stranger picks him up on the road in the middle of the night and deposits him in Grand Rapids, MI, with Herman E. Calloway and his jazz band, but the man Bud was convinced was his father turns out to be old, cold, and cantankerous. Luckily, the band members are more welcoming; they take him in, put him to work, and begin to teach him to play an instrument. In a Victorian ending, Bud uses the rocks he has treasured from his childhood to prove his surprising relationship with Mr. Calloway. The lively humor contrasts with the grim details of the Depression-era setting and the particular difficulties faced by African Americans at that time. Bud is a plucky, engaging protagonist. Other characters are exaggerations: the good ones (the librarian and Pullman car porter who help him on his journey and the band members who embrace him) are totally open and supportive, while the villainous foster family finds particularly imaginative ways to torture their charge. However, readers will be so caught up in the adventure that they won't mind. Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud." School Library Journal - Kathleen Isaacs, 1999, Cahners Business Information
Suggested Activities:
This book could serve as a great lead in to discuss various music artists at this time. Various sound clips of music styles and popular artists could be played. Students could compare and contrast music from this era to music of the current era.
This book also addresses topics such as racial discrimination and how these issues affected African Americans during this time period. Students can discuss racial discrimination and how it affects others. Students can then create a collage to depict fairness and equality.
Bibliography:
Curtis, C. P. (1999). Bud, not Buddy. New York: Delacorte Press.
"Children's book fans had a red-letter day when the Newbery Award was announced. Curtis' book follows a young African-American boy as he struggles to find a home during the Depression. The author takes on a difficult time and seemingly sad plot, but Bud, the hero, has humor and originality that will open new doors and understanding about this era." Reviewer: Susie Wilde - Children's Literature
"Gr 4-7-When 10-year-old Bud Caldwell runs away from his new foster home, he realizes he has nowhere to go but to search for the father he has never known: a legendary jazz musician advertised on some old posters his deceased mother had kept. A friendly stranger picks him up on the road in the middle of the night and deposits him in Grand Rapids, MI, with Herman E. Calloway and his jazz band, but the man Bud was convinced was his father turns out to be old, cold, and cantankerous. Luckily, the band members are more welcoming; they take him in, put him to work, and begin to teach him to play an instrument. In a Victorian ending, Bud uses the rocks he has treasured from his childhood to prove his surprising relationship with Mr. Calloway. The lively humor contrasts with the grim details of the Depression-era setting and the particular difficulties faced by African Americans at that time. Bud is a plucky, engaging protagonist. Other characters are exaggerations: the good ones (the librarian and Pullman car porter who help him on his journey and the band members who embrace him) are totally open and supportive, while the villainous foster family finds particularly imaginative ways to torture their charge. However, readers will be so caught up in the adventure that they won't mind. Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud." School Library Journal - Kathleen Isaacs, 1999, Cahners Business Information
Suggested Activities:
This book could serve as a great lead in to discuss various music artists at this time. Various sound clips of music styles and popular artists could be played. Students could compare and contrast music from this era to music of the current era.
This book also addresses topics such as racial discrimination and how these issues affected African Americans during this time period. Students can discuss racial discrimination and how it affects others. Students can then create a collage to depict fairness and equality.
Bibliography:
Curtis, C. P. (1999). Bud, not Buddy. New York: Delacorte Press.
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