Bud, Not Buddy
by Christopher Paul Curtis
About_
This study guide accompanies the first nineteen chapters of Christopher Paul Curtis’s novel Bud, Not Buddy,
following ten-year-old Bud Caldwell’s journey from a Flint orphanage to his search for the man he believes is his
father. It offers factual and critical-thinking questions for each chapter grouping, an answer key, a crossword
puzzle, and a character focus activity centered on Bud. Teachers can use these materials to check comprehension,
deepen discussion, and build vocabulary around Depression-era themes. This study guide contains 52 questions
across 4 chapter sections (40 Factual + 12 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 4 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (40 total), 4 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (12 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 5-7
Teacher Note_
This guide is designed to save you preparation time while giving students a rich mix of comprehension checks and
open-ended discussion prompts. The critical thinking questions especially encourage students to reflect on
resilience, family, and hard historical realities. Enjoy watching your class connect with Bud’s unforgettable journey!