Bud, Not Buddy

Though Herman E. Calloway’s band is not a traditional family, Bud’s quest for a family environment is fulfilled when he arrives in Grand Rapids and meets the members. Discuss 3-4 specific ways based on book details in which the band members serve as Bud’s new family. What needs do they fulfill, and how do the individual members’ personalities play a role in making Bud feel at home?

Bud, Not Buddy does not have a “villain,” but readers can find antagonistic forces throughout the book. List 5 characters, situations, or obstacles that serve as forces working against Bud and discuss the ways in which he struggles to overcome them.

How do mentions of historical events and figures play a role in the novel’s thematic development? Discuss the impact on tone and theme in scenes that include a mention of each of the following: Hooverville, President Hoover, Mr. Pinkerton, the Great Depression, unionization in Detroit and Flint. Use a variety of valid, scholarly historical websites for research on each event or figure.

Foils are two characters who demonstrate traits very opposite in nature in multiple areas; when juxtaposed, their differences are starkly apparent. How are Miss Thomas and Herman E. Calloway character foils? Find evidence in the form of 2-3 pairs of opposite character actions in the text to support your response.

Deza’s kind words to Bud—“But I guess you’re different, aren’t you, Bud? I guess you sort of carry your family around inside of you, huh?” (73)—provide an idea for Bud with which he initially agrees, but which comes to have a deeper meaning by the story’s end. Discuss the ways in which 2-3 other characters in the novel provide Bud with ideas that affect him over time or give him an incentive for his decision-making.

Bud does not often comment on his own bravery or courage. Readers, however, learn indirectly that he is a strong character. What are 2-3 times in the novel that he displays inner strength or fortitude? How does this kind of bravery or courage impact others?

Although Bud actively tries to avoid Mr. Calloway early in his stay at Grand Calloway Station, readers still come to understand Mr. Calloway’s complex character. Brainstorm three adjectives with a positive connotation to describe Herman E. Calloway and three with negative connotation. Support your choices with evidence from the book, looking to Bud’s and other character’s actions and words regarding Mr. Calloway.

Bud feels that he can better understand what his mother meant about doors that close leading to doors that open. What are some examples of these metaphorical closed and open doors in the story? How do these “doors” help along the book’s journey theme and structure? Discuss your answers using 4-5 details from the book to support your answer.