Bud, Not Buddy

Reader reviewed by K.W.

Christopher Paul Curtis is a uniquely sensitve writer with a great story to tell. The characters reveal so much about themselves without having to come out and say what they're feeling-the mark of a truly great writer.

The book takes place in Michigan and many of the locations, like Flint and Grand Rapids, are very familiar to me, which pulls me into the story more.

The best part of the story is the twist in whom Bud thinks his father is. I don't want to ruin the ending, but the complex relationships that are revealed are done so quite skillfully and without overdoing it. The perfect (and satisfying) ending.

Reader reviewed by sara

this book is great.it is a story of finding family,and life.it is a great book to read for anyone.i think everyone should read this book because people can learn so much from it.you will enjoy it.

Reader reviewed by lauren

in this book bud and his friend bugs decied to run away from the orphanage to find out who bud's father is. while jumping onto a train bud throws his bag at bugs. when bugs catches the bag a blue flier falls out. thats when they descover their first clue to who his father is.there are many minor or major setbacks on the way and people who lend a hand.

this is a very good book i recomend you read it.

Reader reviewed by stellargurl

bud not buddy is the best and only book i've ever read by christopher paul curtis. it's interesting, adventurous and funny.

in the orphanage bud ang his friend bugs decicde to run away beacuse they want to find out who bud's father is. while jumping the train bud trows hid bag at bugs but when bugs catches it a blue flier fals out and lands right on buds hand.

this book is a winner of the coretta scott king award. i would recomend this book to 9+ kids

Reader reviewed by Joey S.

I would say, one of the greatest, maybe THE greatest book I've ever read in middle school. Definitely a good page turner. I loved the story, and all the certain scenes. Like when Bud ran away from his foster home after he beat up his "brother" Todd Amos and was locked in the shade full of fish heads, newspaper covered windows, and a "bat". The scenes between that and when Bud meets his father are GREAT, like every part of the book, but the excitement really builds up as Bud tries to get to know his father while he gives Bud the cold shoulder. Calloway's friends in his band immedietly befriend Bud, and try to convince him to do the same, but he just isn't convinced that Bud is his son, until he shows him an item of his mother's. VERY good story!! I can't key out all the really good parts, you'll just have to read it to see!!

Reader reviewed by lookwhaticando

This book is different than most books I've read because it deals with a black boy back when they were discrimiated(sp). I liked it because it was really good and it kept me reading.

Reader reviewed by Kristen

In this book, Bud runs away from his orphanage on a search to find his father. On his way, he meets a lot of new people and experiences a lot of new things. This book was the funniest thing I have ever read. Bud was so funny. I think growing up in an orphanage was a good thing for him =) Ithink a lot of younger kids (elementary) will like this book.

Reader reviewed by Maria Kim

Bud was in Home after his mom died.
Someone adopted him and they were very mean to him.
He decided to run away from that house and find his father.He was determined that the man in flyer that he has is his father.He starts his journey and meet friendly man named Lefty and he rides Bud to where his father is.Finally when Bud meets his father, he says that he's not Bud's father.Bud decides to stay with his father's band and when he tells that his mother's name, they says that she is Herman(whom Bud thought his father)'s daughter. Now Herman and Bud knows the truth, and everybody in band(exept for Herman) likes Bud and now he recieved sexaphone and he's going to play with Herman's band fron now on.


Ms. Siorek's class

Reader reviewed by Amanda

I was reading this book in 4th grade, but it wasn't very fulfilling. Bud, Not Buddy was given the Newbery Award, but it doesnt deserve it. Bud, Not Buddy has a very stupid story line and turns out in a very uninteresting way.


Bud is a 10-year-old boy in the Great Depression. He lives in an orphanage. His mother died and left no trace of his father. However, he believes it is Herman Calloway as posted on papers his mother had. Bud runs away from the orphanage to finds him. On his way he finds many strange things!


I had no favorite parts, I didnt like this book. I recommend it for kids 10 and up. It is rated 1 star for boringness and no fun.