Possible questions

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Summary

A 10 year-old orphan with nothing but an old suitcase a blanket and some flyers to his name, Bud, not Buddy Caldwell is determined to find his long lost father, no matter where it might lead him. Bud has been moving from home to home all his life due to the sudden death of his mother, and he is determined to find his real home, a place where he knows he belongs. Bud's mother left him with flyers of a talented Jazz band, leaving Bud with the impression that his dad, who is featured on the front, is still performing and will be in Grand Rapids next for a show. With hopes to reconcile with his father, some flyers that his mother left him for guidance, and his precious suitcase Bud embarks on an unforgettable journey that will lead him where he never imagined.

Discussion questions

1. What makes Bud so self-conscious and protective of his name? What is special about his name?
   
2. What was your impression of the Amos family, through Bud's description? What impression did they have on Bud?
   
3. Describe the relationship between Bugs and Bud. Why do you think Bugs was so important to Bud? What made the two alike, and why?
   
4. Talk about the significance of Bud's experiences at Hooverville. What did Bud remember most about that stop, and why? What do you think the Hooverville community resembled to Bud?
   
5. How do you think Bud felt when he missed the train? What were his feelings toward the situation regarding Bugs?
   
6. Describe Bud and Deza Malone's relationship, and its significance. What did he remember most about her, and their romantic night?
   
7. Read "Shenandoah", the song the mouth organ man was playing. What does this song signify? Do you think Bud will ever see her again?
   
8. How does Bud feel towards "Herman E. Calloway" in his first encounter with him? How does he feel towards him after the alarming news? Do his feeelings change?
   
9. Who is Bud's favorite band member, and why do you think that is?
   
10. Bud seems to really like Miss Thomas, as he refers to her as "the most beautiful woman in the world". Who do you think Miss Thomas resembles?
    

    If you liked this book try
    

• Dave at Night by Gail Carson Levine
  
• Lena by Jacquline Woodson
  
• Searching for Candlestick Park by Peg Kehret
  
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
  
• A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
  

  Activities
  

  Discuss another band name for Bud. Explain your reasoning. Draw a picture of the Dusky Devastators of The Depression, including Bud.
  

  Created in part with funds granted by the Oregon State Library under the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library. Send feedback to Katie O'Dell, School-age Services Manager
  

   
   

  Pasted from <http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides-bud.html>