Bud, Not Buddy

Bud, Not Buddy is a 1999 children’s realistic historical novel by American author Christopher Paul Curtis. Ten-year-old protagonist Bud Caldwell is an orphan living in Flint, Michigan in 1936. Four years after the death of his mother and after a series of abusive and neglectful foster homes, Bud sets out to find his father, whom he believes is the locally famous jazz musician Herman E. Calloway of Grand Rapids. Bud encounters a host of characters and challenges indicative of the struggles of the Great Depression era on his journey. Winner of the 2000 Newbery Medal, Bud, Not Buddy explores themes of race, poverty, optimism, and compassion. It was also adapted for the stage, winning a Distinguished Play Award from The American Alliance for Theatre and Education in 2010. Christopher Paul Curtis was awarded the 2000 Coretta Scott King Award as an outstanding African American author. This guide refers to the 2002 Scholastic paperback edition.

Plot Summary

The novel opens in the Home, Bud’s orphanage in Flint, Michigan in 1936. A case worker tells Bud he will go to foster care again, this time with the Amos family. Because Bud’s first two foster experiences were negative, he dreads going to the Amoses; despite his own worry, he tries to cheer a younger orphan, Jerry, who is also going to foster care.