Bud, Not Buddy by Christoper Paul Curtis

Title:   Bud, Not Buddy

Author:  Christopher Paul Curtis

Publisher: Scholastic Year:  2002 c

ISBN:  0-439-22188-9

Genre: Fiction/Adventure/Historical

This book is for Ages: 8-12

Awards: Newbery Medal; Coretta Scott King Award

AR Points:  8.0 

Subjects/Themes: Family, Finding Your Place in the World,

Plot Summary:  After his mother’s death, Bud Caldwell is shuffled from the orphanage to foster home after foster home.  He finally has his fill of the cruel treatment and abuse.  Bud decides to go “on the lam.”  First he decides to “ride the rails.”   When Bud decides to go to Grand Rapids to find his father he meets a strange man who might be a vampire.  Bud also gets to hear Jazz music when he gets to the club of Herman E. Calloway.  Calloway says he is not Bud’s father and wants to send him away.  Will Bud ever find his family?

Review:  This is a great story.  Bud’s rules and things to remember help him to get through the rough spots in his world.  Bud is ingenious.  His character has all the fears of a 10-year-old on the run.  Bud is courageous.  He takes his control over his life.  While Bud cannot drive a car, he finds a way to steer himself on the right path.   Christopher Paul Curtis’ detailed descriptions are as delicious as sweet potato pie with whipped cream.

If you like this book you may also like:  Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis and Esperanza Rising

Clear as Day by Scotty McCreedy

Title:   Clear as Day

Artist:  Scotty McCreery  

Publisher: Mercury Nashville/19/Interscope Records

Year: 2011

Format: CD or Digital Download

Genre: Music Country

This album is for Ages:  8-Adult

Awards: Certified Platinum  

Subjects/Themes: Innocence, Summer Romance, Small Towns.

 
Tracks: 

1.      Out of Summertime

2.      I Love You this Big

3.      Clear as Day

4.      The Trouble with Girls

5.      Water Tower Town

6.      Walk in the Country

7.      Better Than That

8.      Write my number on your hand

9.      Dirty Dishes

10.  You Make that Look Good

11.  Back on the Ground

12.  That Old King James

Review: The songs were written by well-established country songwriters for Scotty McCreery who was 17 at the time of recording.  They reflect his youth and are great for any audience.  Track Number 6 Walk in the Country is a cover of a song written by Keith Urban and was previously recorded and released by Keith.  This album is a great first country album.  The content is true to country themes of summertime, mom, first love and small town America.  The songs show off Scotty’s vocal range and deep resonant voice.  

I must admit prior to listening to the CD I had no idea who the Scotty was.  He is the Winner of the 10^th season of American Idol.  The CD was a gift from a music executive to my husband and spent the last few months unplayed.  While I enjoy country music, it is not my first choice.  When my 14-year-old niece told me her friend loves Scotty and is a huge fan.  I knew I would have to listen.  I was really pleased.  The tunes will get your toes tapping.  The lyrics are playful and the album will leave you smiling and feeling good.  

If you like this CD you may also like:  Wildflower Lauren Alaina,