Bud, Not Buddy
(Newbery Medal Winner)
Yearling 2002
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- resilience
- family and belonging
- identity
- hope
- perseverance
- friendship
- the Great Depression
- music and jazz
About this book
Set during the Great Depression, ten-year-old Bud Caldwell leaves a harsh foster situation in Flint, Michigan, to search for the man he believes is his father. Armed with a suitcase of treasured mementos and his own funny, wise “Rules and Things,” Bud meets helpers and hurdles on a journey full of heart and humor. Readers are drawn in by Bud’s resilient voice, historical detail, and the lively world of jazz he discovers. It’s an uplifting, accessible read for middle-grade students who enjoy adventure with warmth and hope.
Setting: Flint and Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1936 (Great Depression)
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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 resilience, family and belonging, identity.
How long does it take to read Bud, Not Buddy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bud, Not Buddy takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 54,000 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.