It's Bud, Not Buddy.

Bud, Not Buddy is one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. If you are fans of Stella by Starlight, Number the Stars, or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas you should look into Bud, Not Buddy. Bud, Not Buddy was written in 1999 by Christopher Paul Curtis and won the 2000 John Newbery Award. Even though it was written in 1999, that doesn't mean it uses words like; thus, likewise, and all the words you would find in Jane Austen's books. I would rate this a full on 5 star book because it just drew me in and was a great story to read. This book is best for kids at the age of 10 and up. Bud, Not Buddy is a great read, there is just a lot of slang in it. For example, there is “‘cause” instead of “because,” and “I’ma” instead of “I am going to.”

Bud, Not Buddy is about a boy named Bud (not Buddy), living in an orphanage during the Great Depression; coming in and out of foster homes. He carries a suitcase around with him everywhere he goes that has all of his special things in it. Eventually, in one foster home, he gets so fed up that he decides to run away to look for his unknown father. Bud finds himself in Grand Rapids working for a jazz band and suspects a family connection to, Herman E. Calloway, the bass cello player for the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. Keep your eye out for this book because it is definitely worth your reading time.

Happy reading!

Evelyn Harrier