Bud, Not Buddy

Identity & Naming: Bud insists on being called "Bud, not Buddy." What makes his name so significant to him? How does a name relate to identity, and in what ways does Bud's insistence reflect his self-worth and desire for independence?

Family & Belonging: Throughout the novel, Bud seeks a connection to his father. How does his understanding of "family" change as the story unfolds? What does the ending imply about the true meaning of family?

Survival & Resilience: Bud relies on his "Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself." What do these rules reveal about who he is and his experiences in the foster care system? How do they assist him in navigating challenges?

Hope & Dreams: Bud clings to a flyer for Herman E. Calloway's band as a symbol of hope. How do objects hold emotional significance in the novel? Can you identify other instances where a physical item represents something greater for a character?

Historical Context: The story takes place during the Great Depression. How does this historical context influence Bud's journey and the lives of those he encounters? In what ways does the novel portray the humanity of individuals living in poverty during this time?

Deception & Truth: Bud isn’t always truthful with the people he meets. When, if ever, do you think his lies are warranted? What does the novel convey about the connection between truth and survival?

Community & Kindness: Bud experiences both cruelty and unexpected kindness from strangers. Which encounters do you think impacted him the most, and what do they reveal about human nature?

Identity & Naming: Bud is adamant about being called "Bud, not Buddy." Why does his name hold such significance for him? What does a name signify regarding a person's identity and self-worth?

Family & Belonging: Throughout the story, Bud seeks a connection with his father. What does "family" mean to Bud, and how does his understanding of family evolve by the end of the narrative?

Resilience & Survival: Bud establishes a set of personal guidelines — "Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself." How do these rules showcase his resilience? What do they indicate about the coping mechanisms children create in challenging situations?

Historical Context: The novel takes place during the Great Depression. How does this historical setting influence the difficulties Bud encounters? In what ways do the struggles of the time impact both children and adults in the story?

Hope & Dreams: Bud clings to his mother's flyers about Herman E. Calloway as a beacon of hope. How does hope act as a motivating force in the novel? Can hope sometimes lead to false expectations, and is that necessarily a negative aspect?

Community & Kindness: Bud experiences both harshness and unexpected kindness throughout his journey. Which moments of kindness resonate with you the most, and what do they reveal about human connections during tough times?

Disappointment & Growth: When Bud finally meets Herman E. Calloway, the experience falls short of his expectations. How does Bud cope with this disappointment, and what lessons does it impart — for him and for us — about growing up?

Identity & Naming — Bud insists on being called "Bud, not Buddy." Why does this name hold such significance for him? What does a name signify regarding identity, and how does Bud's insistence reflect his self-worth and desire for independence?

Family & Belonging — Throughout the novel, Bud seeks a connection to his father. How does his understanding of "family" change as the story unfolds? What insights does the novel provide about what truly constitutes a family?

Resilience & Survival — Bud has created a set of personal rules he refers to as "Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself." How do these rules assist him in navigating tough situations? What do they reveal about his character?

Historical Context — The story takes place during the Great Depression in Michigan. How does this historical backdrop influence the challenges Bud encounters? In what ways are Bud's struggles specific to his era yet still resonate today?

Hope & Dreams — Bud carries a small suitcase filled with cherished items, including flyers for Herman E. Calloway's band. What do these items represent for Bud? How does the theme of hope manifest throughout the novel?

Trust & Deception — Bud often distorts the truth to safeguard himself. Is his dishonesty justifiable considering his situation? Where do we draw the line between survival and ethical compromise?

Community & Kindness — Bud faces both cruelty and unexpected kindness during his journey. Which acts of kindness resonate with you the most, and what do they reveal about human connections in difficult times?