Characters
What is Bud’s full name?
Bud Caldwell
Where is Bud living at the start of the novel?
At an orphanage "The Home"
What time period does the story take place in?
1930s
Which words best describe Bud’s character?
Shy, quiet, and afraid
Angry, violent, and cruel
Rebellious, determined, and brave
Lazy, careless, and stupid
Rebellious, determined, and brave
How does Bud prove he might be related to Herman E. Calloway?
He shows the rocks his mother collected
Deza Malone gave Bud his first what?
Kiss
Why does Bud run away from the Amos family?
Todd bullies and hurts him; they lock him in a shed
What personal items does Bud always carry in his suitcase?
His mother’s picture and flyers
What is the full name of Herman’s band?
The Dusky Devastators of the Depression
What happened to Bud’s mother? How old was he?
She died when Bud was six
Where does Lefty Lewis meet Bud?
On the side of the road
What is Hooverville?
A temporary town made by the homeless
How did Bud get his nickname "Sleepy LaBone"?
He slept in and is skinny
What was the “vampire bat” in the shed actually
A hornet’s nest
Think about the band members, Lefty Lewis, and the many others who helped Bud along in his journey. In your own words, what does the book Bud, Not Buddy teach us about family and home?
Possible answer: Family and home are not always blood relatives or a single place. Kindness, trust, and support from others can create a sense of belonging just as strong as a traditional family.
What’s inside the box Lefty Lewis asks Bud to hide when they are stopped by the police?
labor union flyers
Why does Bud believe Herman E. Calloway is his father?
His mother left behind flyers for Calloway’s band
What instrument does Herman E. Calloway play in the band?
String bass/bass fiddle
Why does Bud not like to be called “Buddy”?
His mother named him Bud like a flower-to-be
Bud writes his “Rules and Things” whenever he faces something hard, like being locked in the shed or running away. Why do you think he makes these rules, and what lesson can we learn from them?
Example: The rules help him feel like in control when life is confusing or painful. He breaks problems into steps and gives himself advice that makes the world seem less scary and difficult.
Who was Bud's father?
The book doesn't tell us
Why did Bud cry at the dinner with the band?
It was the first time he felt he belonged/ felt family
Why does Herman E. Calloway cry when he sees Bud’s rocks?
They remind him of his daughter, Bud’s mother
How do the band members treat Bud compared to Herman?
The band is friendly, Herman is suspicious/mean
When Deza Malone tells Bud he is “carrying Momma inside him,” what do you think she means by that, and how does it help him in tough times?
Example: She means that even though his mother has passed away, her love and guidance are still a part of him. Bud uses the lessons she taught him when facing challenges.