Bud, Not Buddy
by Lisa Kurkov
Carson-Dellosa Publishing 2021
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- Great Depression
- African American history
- jazz and the arts
- labor and unions
- community and resilience
- economic hardship
- migration and travel
- social justice
About this book
This nonfiction companion helps readers understand the world of Bud, Not Buddy by exploring life during the Great Depression, especially within African American communities. Short, engaging chapters introduce jazz, labor unions, Hoovervilles, and Pullman porters, with a focus on Flint, Michigan in the 1930s. Photos, a glossary, and before- and after-reading activities make it accessible for reports and classroom use. It’s a great fit for middle grade readers who want real-world context to deepen their appreciation of the novel.
Setting: United States, especially Flint, Michigan, during the 1930s Great Depression
Readers also enjoyed
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 5.6, 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 Great Depression, African American history, jazz and the arts.
How long does it take to read Bud, Not Buddy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Bud, Not Buddy takes around 36m to finish. The book has 6,000 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 1 point. 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 5.6, 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.