Author- Christopher Paul Curtis
Title- Bud Not Buddy
Illustrator- Christopher Paul Curtis
Year-2000
Genre- Newberry
Format- Hardcover
Publisher- Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Reading Level- Elementary/Middle
Interest Level- Elementary/Middle
Topics- Black History, Newberry
Summary- This book is one that can make you laugh and cry. It is a story about an orphaned African American living in Flint, Michigan, during the Great Depression. The main character, Bud, decides to try and find his father. The only clue his mother left him was several flyers about a band in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He finds Herman E. Calloway, the man that he believes is his father but Herman does not believe that Bud is his son. As it turns out, though, Bud is his grandson. Bud's mother had gotten into a fight with Herman, and had never spoken to him again. Herman did not even know that she had died. The book ends with everyone still in shock about the death of Herman's daughter, and Bud and Herman beginning relationship.
Extension Activity- This would be a great book to read during black history month. It is very inspiring and powerful. You could have the students do a paper on different Colored people who have impacted history. You could also just have a class discussion about the book.
