Characters
Who is the main character of the story?
Bud
At the Amos' house
Bud escapes from here after being locked inside by the Amos family.
The shed
This object, carried by Bud throughout the story, contains rocks, a photograph, and flyers that connect him to his past and guide his journey.
To deal with difficult things effectively and efficiently
cope
Who always believes Tod's lies?
Mrs. Amos
The Great Depression
Bud gets back at Todd Amos by doing this before leaving the house.
Making him wet the bed.
How old is Bud at the beginning of the story?
10 years old
To call someones attention by pushing then gently with an elbow
Nudge
What is the name of Bud's friend at the beginning of the story?
Jerry Clark
Bud lives in this type of institution before going to a foster home.
Bud uses this tool to escape the shed.
A pocketknife or jackknife
“Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a _______ ________ and Making a _____ _______Out of Yourself
funner life; better liar
A major change in the form, shape, character, or nature of someone or something
Transformation
This character never appears in the story’s present time but plays a major role in shaping Bud’s actions and beliefs.
Bud's mother
What city does the book open in?
Flint, Michigan
Bud is almost too late for this, but a kind family helps him sneak in.
Breakfast at the mission
This "creature" scares Bud in the shed, but it turns out to be a hornet’s nest
Vampire Bat
Looking or feeling sad; unhappy
Glum
Bud believes this man, shown in a flyer, might be his father.
Herman E Calloay
Bud spends a night sleeping under this before heading to the mission.
A Christmas tree
Bud refers to adults who don't listen to kids' side of the story as members of this imaginary group.
"Vampires" or "The Amos Family"
Bud mentions this nearby Michigan city as being where his search might take him.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
-To experience a difficult or painful situation without giving up.
-Continue to exist despite challenges/destructive forces.
Endure