Bud, Not Buddy

The book is a little slow going at the end but overall it was an amazing book. Bud was a good character in the story along with the crew. The only thing that I would like to change is to make a better problem.

I love how they author tells Bud's story and how it flows through smoothly from chapter to chapter. Great metaphors!

My son and I were really engaged in this book. It’s a great story for those young minds as well as old.

This was a great book. I picked it up because I wanted to read it with my sixth graders next year. It has such a great theme and plot line. I was impressed and cannot wait to reach out to my kids!

Bud, not Buddy follows a ten-year-old boy during the Great Depression in his journey to find a father he's never met. As the Grandmother of a newly adopted young boy who is like Bud in nearly every way, this book deeply touched my heart. Bud, at least, had a mother who adored him and did everything in her power to care for him. That gave Bud a huge dose of "Hope" not available to so many of today's children who find themselves in a system that can't or doesn't protect them. I wept, laughed, and cheered for Bud as he exhibited so many of the same qualities as our newest family member. If you ever wondered what it's like to be a kid who simply wants to be loved and cared for, this book is a "must-read."Author Christopher Paul Curtis captures the heart and mind of a ten-year-old boy with courage and compassion. I did listen to my grandmother, and his research about the feelings of the day in the upper Midwest are 'spot-on' to the point you believe you are on the road with Bud. I urge parents everywhere to consider this book for their 8-12 year-olds. As I parent, I have only one word of caution. This book makes running away into a huge adventure. I would love to share this inspiration with my grandson, but it's far too early. His pain is still too raw from the neglect and abuse, and I would fear he would conjure up visions of a wonderful man waiting to take him in and love him.

Read book at suggestion of my 10 yr old nephew. Story was captivating from the first chapter. While it involves a young person, his challenges and how he overcame them were heartbreaking and very realistic. A surprisingly good book.

This book was part of my 4th grade son's assigned reading material and it is fantastic! We loved the story so much that we bought the kindle reader version for rereading. I will not be a spoiler by telling the story. Read the synopsis and grab a sample for that. What I will say is that this is a great book that highlights the courage of a young boy whose life is not "privileged" in any sense of the word. It's a story that brought my son to a place where he learned about a horrible part of history through a boy of his own age. He recognized that life was unjust, and insanely difficult, for adults and children alike. This book highlights Buddy's perseverance and courage as he navigates his way towards the hope for a better future. It also, beautifully, highlights a reality that very few of us have experienced. It is an excellent book based, in part, on the life of the author who penned the story. My 10 year old son, who gripes about most of the assigned reading, was greatly affected after reading it. This was the first book to make a marked difference in his present understanding, ability to stand up for what is right and a desire to be a viable part of a better world.

Following 10 year-old Bud around during the Great Depression as he navigates his way from Flint, Michigan to Grand Rapids, Michigan in search of his father, is an adventure the reader will not soon forget. Bud has never known his father, and his mother died when Bud was six. Having spent time in an orphanage and different foster homes, Bud has developed survival skills that he outlines for the reader in his “Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things to Have a Funner Life and Make a Better Liar Out of Yourself”. In his travels he meets several people who help him on his journey. Bud’s account of each meeting leaves the reader rallying in support of Bud in his quest to find his father. The story takes a somewhat surprising turn when Bud finally reaches Grand Rapids. The story is a great read and a page turner. It is difficult to put down because with each chapter the reader wants to find out what happens to Bud. This book can be enjoyed as an entertaining read for ages 9-12, or it can be incorporated into a 4th or 5th grade Social Studies lesson on the Great Depression. I give the story 4 out 5 stars only because I personally felt the ending left the reader wanting to know a bit more about the rest of Bud’s life in Grand Rapids; there should be an epilogue at the end.

A book every American, and other nationalities, should read,enjoy and take to heart. The lessons held within are deep rooted and will stay with you forever. A well written improvised story that is as musical as the protagonist and other characters within the book.

I enjoyed this with my two sons (7 and 10) on a long car journey. Really good storyline and engaging characters.

Such a lovely heartwarming story about a little boy looking for his dad. Couldn’t put it down.

Great story but this edition is shocking - pages in wrong order and lettering often blurry.

I absolutely loved it! I found Bud really endearing. It was moving and funny at the same time. I really hope there's a sequel.