Written by Christopher Paul Curtis, with Cover Art by Eva Kolenko
SUMMARY:
Originally published in 1999, this 273-page Random House paperback edition was evidently released in 2012. In Flint, Michigan of 1936, it’s been four years since 10-year old Bud Caldwell was orphaned by his mother’s tragic passing. Inside his trusty cardboard suitcase, he carries his most prized possessions: among them are some souvenir rocks with Michigan cities and dates written on them; a photo of his single mother as a child; and a few flyers depicting high-profile jazz musician Herman E. Callaway and his band. Based on what little his mother hinted at, Bud deduces this Callaway must be his long-lost father. Fleeing an abusive foster home, Bud decides it’s time to make his own future by seeking out Callaway.
His journey across Depression-era Michigan brings Bud into contact with, among others, fellow orphan Bugs, insightful fellow pre-teen Deza Malone, and good-natured motorist “Lefty” Lewis, who all influence Bud’s decision-making. When Bud finds an incredulous Callaway residing in Grand Rapids, what heart-breaking family secrets resurface due to his unexpected presence?
Notes: The novel won both a Newbury Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children. Excluding this edition’s bonus content, this actual novel is 236 pages.
REVIEW:
At the outset, Bud’s terrifying experience inside the Amos family’s decrepit shed, not to mention his plausible fear of the family’s shotgun, makes one wonder how grim this youth fiction novel will be. The eerie inference re: Bud’s desire for fitting payback with that same shotgun furthers this suspicion. Yet, author Christopher Paul Curtis satisfyingly alleviates this sequence with a vintage juvenile prank as Bud’s back-up choice. From that point, including Bud’s amusing self-perception as a fugitive “on the lam,” Curtis commendably weaves poignant storytelling and touches of humor through Bud’s point-of-view. Yet, Bud’s veering back-and-forth between immature child and more worldly demeanor (as if he were a seasoned teenager) displays some inconsistencies.
The author wisely opts to emphasize readability and coherency (as demonstrated by the somewhat contemporary dialogue) instead of recreating Depression-era lingo. Again, it’s plainly obvious that an adult is sympathetically channeling Bud’s voice, but Curtis imbues his protagonist with admirably humble charm. Bud’s wary, not-quite naïve perception is well-balanced through his innate sincerity and a child’s sense of wonder. No matter how harsh the world has been to him, Bud’s upbeat attitude consistently shines. Perhaps the novel’s best gem, however, is his ironic take on Herman E. Callaway. It’s a contrast to Bud’s self-reliance sleeping with a hidden knife, as he is ready to defend himself on a moment’s notice.
Another welcome element are the sporadic excerpts from Bud’s own collection of cynical life lessons he has entitled: “Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself.” These insights reflect Bud’s personal integrity: i.e. he internally admits that he is sometimes a liar, but he’s not a thief. Interacting with a believable supporting cast, Bud’s reactions (i.e. his first kiss; or his bungled car theft escaping a suspected ‘vampire’) add plausible twists to the direction that Bud finds himself pointed in.
Bud, Not Buddy (the title reiterates a correction Bud regularly makes re: his name) is a wonderful slice of period fiction. Its pendulum balances emotional depth and poignancy in ways that should resonate with middle schoolers and precocious elementary students. The finale isn’t necessarily definitive, but Bud’s likely destiny is worth discovering. For adults, it’s an engaging read, in part as a reminder that other contemporary children’s novels besides the Harry Potter series possess literary magic.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
This edition’s collection of bonus features is impressive. Including separate black-and-white photos of the author’s grandfathers, bandleader Herman E. Curtis and Earl “Lefty” Lewis, the author’s afterword explains why family stories helped inspire two of the novel’s pivotal characters. Curtis also offers an acknowledgements page. There is a three-page reader’s guide providing discussion questions for students.
In conversational tone, a lengthy interview with the author is included. A five-page list of Random House Reader’s Circle Books is provided to promote further reading choices. In a spin-off from this novel, a twelve-page preview of The Mighty
Miss Malone, as Curtis explores young Deza Malone’s life. The last page is an ad for Curtis’ The Watsons Go to Birmingham, which is both Newbury Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
