Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

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Description:

Bud, a ten-year-old African-American child, lives in and travels alone throughout urban Michigan in the 1930s. He experiences big-city life, including food lines, homelessness, and police officers with billy clubs, and overcomes racist and discriminatory situations. As Bud matures, he realizes that having a family is truly one of the most important treasures in life. He searches for his father and ultimately finds his grandfather. The novel uses common themes found in young adult literature, including having the hope to survive difficult situations, family, independence, and self-discovery.

Activities:

Students examine the historical context of the novel and become familiar with jazz and blues music, Al Capone, John Dillinger, and the Great Depression. They also analyze themes, euphemisms, metaphors, similes, and other literary elements. Lessons feature narrative, expository, and persuasive writing, role-playing, and research projects. 

Supplementary materials include vocabulary exercises with answer keys, quizzes with answer keys, journal responses and discussion questions, and a test with answer key.

Ethical Values:

Adaptability
Courage
Endurance
Family Commitment
Responsibility