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Parents' Guide to

Bud, Not Buddy

By Stephany Aulenback, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Well-crafted tale of orphan boy's search for home.

Book Christopher Paul Curtis Family Life 1999
Bud, Not Buddy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 10+

Based on 9 parent reviews

momfizz
momfizz Parent
January 8, 2015
age 13+

Good Historical FICTION for teens!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book as an adult! HOWEVER, realizing the influence literature can have over young readers I think it should be viewed similarly to PG-13 movie, with adults and kids conversing over topics. The first five chapters had some intense parts (i.e. DESCRIPTIVE fight scene between boys, issues with gun in the house, kid being locked in a shed)! If you as parent read those chapters and conclude its ok for your child then the rest of book should work. It would prove BENEFICIAL for someone to help children process these events, especially the gun episode because the main character goes into emotionally-charged detail as he imagines using the gun on an adversary (seems like schools would be cautious of this as our country deals with school shootings). There is a kiss and a reminisce of the kiss in Chap 8 during which the main character, who is age 10, states "...I FINALLY kissed a girl." When discussing this with my 10 year old (who had to read this for school), he confirmed my suspicions that this had strong potential to suggest that 10 is too long to have gone without kissing and that it should be rectified. Read by a 13 year old, this statement would be seen through a humorous lens and with the exaggeration that I think the author probably intended , but a 10 year old interpretation could have more serious implications. The use of the word "finally" changes the meaning and makes it a little too close to home for a 10 year old to read and a discussion of it would help the reader develop a more accurate self-awareness.
Rileigh B.
Rileigh B. Parent of 12-year-old
September 26, 2023
age 9+

This book is awesome, it teaches kids to never give up.

Bud, Not Buddy is a 19 chapter, chapter book that is during the Great Depression. It first takes place in Flint, Michigan during the 1930's. You first learn that Bud's mom died when he was 6, and he never knew his father. He has a special suitcase he always keeps with him no matter what. Now he is on a journey to find his father, which he believes is Herman E Calloway.
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What's the Story?

Bud has run away from his abusive foster family. He's sleeping outside and can't find enough to eat. There's nothing left to do but go find Herman E. Calloway, the man whose picture used to make Momma upset. That man has got to be Bud's father! Orphaned Bud, not Buddy, Caldwell carries a ratty suitcase full of all his possessions wherever he goes. There's the picture of his Momma as a little girl. There's Momma's old pouch, full of smooth rocks with strange coded messages written on them. But the most important thing is a flyer advertising "Herman E. Calloway and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression."

Sure that this Herman E. Calloway is his father, Bud sets out to find him. But when Calloway turns out to be a grumpy old man, Miss Thomas, the Dusky Devastator's kind "vocal stylist," convinces him to give the 10-year-old a place to stay. Bud moves into the big house known as Grand Calloway Station and, with the help of Momma's rocks, soon discovers how he is related to Herman E. Calloway.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9 ):
Kids say (33 ):

Young Bud tells his story in BUD, NOT BUDDY in his own lively voice, making his character practically leap off the page. At times tough, sad, resilient, and funny, 10-year-old Bud is completely irresistible. His personality, coupled with the fast pace of the story, captures the attention of young readers on the first page and keeps them riveted right through to the end.

Bud keeps meeting up with good people who are willing to share what little they have, and to help Bud as much as they can. It is this portrayal of people at their best when circumstances are at their worst that ultimately makes the story a hopeful and heartwarming one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Bud, Not Buddy shows hope in the face of adversity. How does Bud manage to keep going?

  • Bud's mother told him when one door closes, another opens. Do you see this happening for Bud? Has that happened in your life?

  • Do you like historical fiction? What's the appeal of reading about characters who live in a different time from your own?

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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