Bud Not Buddy

Set during the Great Depression, this novel follows 10-year-old Bud Caldwell, an African American orphan who escapes from foster care to search for his father, armed only with a suitcase of mementos from his deceased mother. Bud's journey takes him from Flint to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he believes a jazz musician named Herman E. Calloway might be his father. The story explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and the African American experience during the 1930s, while addressing issues of poverty, racism, and the foster care system. Through Bud's determination and wit, readers experience a coming-of-age tale that celebrates community, music, and the power of hope during difficult times.