Bud, Not Buddy
(Newbery Medal Winner)
Delacorte Press 1999
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- identity
- family and belonging
- hope
- resilience
- friendship
- the Great Depression
- self-reliance
About this book
Set during the Great Depression, ten-year-old Bud Caldwell leaves a difficult foster situation in Flint, Michigan, to search for the man he believes is his father. Armed with his treasured suitcase and his homemade "Rules and Things," Bud meets kind strangers, survives tough moments, and follows clues that lead him toward a new understanding of family. The story blends humor, heart, and history, making it accessible and engaging for middle-grade readers. Kids enjoy Bud’s clever voice, fast-paced adventures, and the hopeful message at the center of his journey.
Setting: Flint and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the road across the Midwest during the Great Depression (1936)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bud, Not Buddy right for my child?
Yes — Bud, Not Buddy is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include perseverance, identity, family and belonging.
How long does it take to read Bud, Not Buddy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bud, Not Buddy takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 66,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bud, Not Buddy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bud, Not Buddy has an AR quiz available, worth 8 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Bud, Not Buddy?
Bud, Not Buddy has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.