Coretta Scott King Award

·      Bud, Not Buddy written by Christopher Paul Curtis

o   Suggested Grade Level 5^th grade. This is a very long and fairly advanced book. It would definitely not hold the attention of young readers, and while some 4^th graders may be able to tackle it, I believe that it would be more appropriate for 5^th graders.

o   Summary: Bud Caldwell is a young African American boy “on the lam” during the Great Depression. Bud has lived in “the home” ever since his mother died. After being placed with a horrible family, Bud decides to head west to find work. All he carries with him is a suitcase filled with his prized possessions. When plans to head west fall through, Bud decides to head to Grand Rapids to find the man who he believes is his father. However, Herman E. Calloway wants nothing to do with Bud.  Bud is not discouraged, however, and quickly falls into a routine with Herman and his band. Through a series of events, Bud discovers the Herman is, in reality, his grandfather. In the end, Bud finally feels like he belongs somewhere, like he is home.

o   Classroom skills and strategies:

§  Bud, Not Buddy is a historical fiction book that can be used to teach historical content. It would go well with a unit on the Great Depression.

§  This book can also be used to address the issue of race before the Civil Rights movement in 1964. Teachers can use this book to teach the importance of non-discrimination.

o   ESOL strategies/applications:

§  Reading logs: This book would work perfectly with keeping a reading log. Students can react to the various legs of Bud’s journey. Full sentences may not be required. Students can choose to draw or write in their reading logs.

§  Indentify main ideas and vocabulary: Because this is a historical fiction book, certain vocabulary words may be unfamiliar to the students. Pointing out these words and putting them on a word wall, or something like that, may extend students’ comprehension of the story.

o   Read aloud: Page 78.

o   Personal opinion: I really enjoyed Bud, Not Buddy. The language made me feel like I was right there in the 1930’s with all of the characters. The dialogue was just so true to the time period that you couldn’t help but feel like Bud was speaking right to you. This is definitely a book I will share with my students.