Bud, Not Buddy
by Christopher Paul Curtis

It's the middle of the Depression, and ten-year-old Bud has run away from his foster home to go search for the father he has never actually known. He thinks his father is the jazz musician that he saw on some posters his mother had saved, so he sets out to find him. He faces danger, violence, comedy, but mostly kindness.

Booklist said this book has a "rich blend of tall tale, slapstick, sorrow, and sweetness [that] has the wry, teasing warmth of family folklore. "

"The lively humor contrasts with the grim details of the Depression-era setting and the particular difficulties faced by African Americans at that time. Bud is a plucky, engaging protagonist. ...Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud." (School Library Journal)

"Bud's journey, punctuated by Dickensian twists in plot and enlivened by a host of memorable personalities, will keep readers engrossed from first page to last." (Publisher's Weekly)

Interest Level:  Grade 5-7
DRA Level:  50
Lexile Measure: 950L
Grade Equivalent: 5.0
Guided Reading: U

The reading level for this book is perfect for the intended audience (grades 5-7).  Kids generally read books written on this reading level (see left) around the middle of 5th grade, so most children will have no problem reading this book independently.  Although....it would also make for a great read-aloud during your American History units time.  If you are giving this book to younger kids or kids at the start of 5th grade, you will need to provide added support or read the book together.