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Bud, Not Buddy book cover

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Random House 2012

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
188
Pages
8
AR Points
6.8h
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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Newbery MedalCoretta Scott King Author Award

Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • family
  • identity
  • perseverance
  • resilience
  • hope
  • found family
  • music and jazz
  • the Great Depression

About this book

Set during the Great Depression, Bud Caldwell is a ten-year-old on a determined journey to find the father he’s never met. Armed with a suitcase of treasured clues and a lively, funny voice, Bud navigates hardships with hope and grit. The story blends humor, heart, and history, introducing readers to the world of jazz and the power of found family. Great for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced historical adventures with a memorable narrator.

Setting: Flint and Grand Rapids, Michigan, during the Great Depression (1930s)

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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 family, identity, perseverance.

How long does it take to read Bud, Not Buddy?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bud, Not Buddy takes around 6.8h to finish. The book has 67,000 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.