BMI
Educational Services, Inc.
Literature Study Guide
And Student Workbook
Christopher Paul Curtis’s
Bud, Not Buddy
By
Catherine Caldwell
Created for Teachers By Teachers
Copyright BMI Educational Services, Inc. ©
Table of Contents
Objectives
3
Note to Teacher
4
About the Author
5
Vocabulary Worksheets
6
Study Questions
13
Literary Analysis
35
Writing Assignments
39
Vocabulary (Teacher)
47
Study Questions (Teacher)
52
Vocabulary Crossword Games
73
Vocabulary Word Search Games
85
Vocabulary Matching Quizzes
97
Vocabulary Matching Quiz Answer Key
116
Unit Test
117
Unit Test Answer Key
124
Graphic Organizers
125
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Permission to copy this Study Guide is granted to the purchaser for use in his/her classroom.
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For questions regarding copyright, contact BMI Educational Services
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STUDY GUIDE OBJECTIVES
Rationale:
The reality of today’s educational world is that students need to be prepared to be
successful on state standardized tests. Traditional test preparation has been to use
previous tests as practice exercises. For those who relish in the teaching of writing and
literature, time for standardized test preparation might be better spent with exercises
linked to the literature units. In this way, the literary work is analyzed in depth, critical
thinking skills are enhanced, and the students are linking the literature units with the types
of tasks they will be required to perform on state tests. Objectives:
After working through this study guide, students will be able to:
! demonstrate critical thinking skills through interpreting a literary work
beyond general plot line.
! show an understanding of the writer’s craft through the analysis of literary devices.
! increase vocabulary skills to enhance performance on the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT).
! demonstrate thorough knowledge of the literary work through a unit test consisting of:
N utilizing vocabulary words in sentences.
N matching vocabulary words to their definitions.
N matching character names to brief character statements/sketches.
N multiple choice questions.
N a thoughtful essay.
! recognize cross curriculum connections through the writing assignments.
! demonstrate proficiency in preparing writing assignments:
" examining historical context
" creating descriptive writing
" emulating author’s strategy
" developing appropriate setting " creating meaningful characters
3 Copyright 2010 BMI Educational Services, Inc.
Bud, Not Buddy
Note to Teachers
About the Author
The About the Author Worksheet can be used to gather general information about the author. This
may be reviewed in a class discussion or for the basis of a writing assignment.
Author Information available at: www.randomhouse.com/features/christopherpaulcurtis Vocabulary
A list of vocabulary words has been selected to improve students’ vocabulary and understanding of
the text. A Vocabulary Worksheet lists the vocabulary words by chapter and/or reading
assignment. Students may complete the worksheet or you can provide them with the definition
prior to the reading assignment. Each chapter and/or reading assignment has a Vocabulary
Matching Quiz. These may be used to assess students’ individual vocabulary comprehension, or
they may be completed as a whole‐class or small group activity. Crossword and Word Search
games have been included for additional vocabulary work. Please note: chapters have been
combined to create a more challenging exercise. Study Questions
The study questions are both fact‐based and inference questions. Students can find the fact‐based
answers in the text, but they must apply careful reading strategies in order to infer meaning from
the same text. Reviewing the study questions as a class will ensure that students have the correct
answers. At the same time, students can discuss their varied responses to more open‐ended
questions, which can lead to more in‐depth, student‐driven literary analysis. Literary Analysis Questions
These questions are designed to analyze the author’s use of literary devices and his particular
writing style in the work. These questions are essential in preparation for some of the state
standardized tests administered across the country.
Written Assessments
The writing assignments are patterned after many of the state standardized tests across the
country. These may be used as practice tasks in an effort to prepare students for these state tests
as well as to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the individual work explored in this study
guide. Some of these assessments include cross‐curricular topics, which allow for enrichment in a
holistic approach.
Tests
The Unit Test includes several sections including, Cumulative Vocabulary, Vocabulary Matching,
Character Matching, Multiple Choice, and Essay.
Other Topics
Listed below are topics related to the novel. These may be used for individual or group projects or
additional writing assignments.
! Great Depression in 1930s America
! Racism throughout American history
! Literary works of Christopher Paul Curtis
! Blues and baseball during the 1930s
! Orphans and foster care in America 4 Copyright 2010 BMI Educational Services, Inc.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Full Name:
Date and Place of Birth:
Date and Place of Death:
Educational Background:
Family Life:
Describe a significant historical event that occurred during the author’s life that may have
had an influence upon his writing.
Interesting Facts and Other Works:
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Bud, Not Buddy Vocabulary Worksheet
Chapter 1 caseworkers – commence – depression – engagement – glum – luxurious – squinching – suspicion – Chapter 2
assurance – asthma – brute – coldcocked – conscience – cur – ilk – ingratitude – lavatory – paradise – plagues – provoked – strapping – vermin – welted – 6 Copyright 2010 BMI Educational Services, Inc.
Bud, Not Buddy
Study Questions
Chapter 1
1. Where do you think the opening scene is set? Why do you think so? List evidence to
support your claim.
2. Why is Bud concerned to see the caseworker? What is the reason for her visit? 3. What is the major difference between the foster homes that the caseworker describes
for Jerry and the one she has found for Bud?
4. How old is Bud?
5. Why is Jerry worried? How does Bud make Jerry feel better?
6. At what age does Bud believe that children become adults? Why does he think so? Do
you agree or disagree?
7. What important event occurred in Bud’s life when he was six?
8. Where does Bud keep all of his belongings? What are some of those belongings? Why
are they special?
13 Copyright 2010 BMI Educational Services, Inc.
Chapter 1 page 2
9. What does Bud believe about Herman E. Calloway? Why? What impression does Bud
get of Herman E. Calloway from the picture on the flyer?
10. What important incident occurred not long after Bud’s mother brought the flyer home?
14 Copyright 2010 BMI Educational Services, Inc.
Chapter 2
1. What event is occurring when Chapter 2 opens?
2. What imagery (picture in your mind) does Bud create for you as he describes the fight
he has with Todd Amos? Why might the author have chosen to use such imagery in the
book? 3. Do you think Bud is angry about the fight he has with Todd? Explain your answer.
4. How does Mrs. Amos feel about her son Todd?
5. How does Bud’s version of the quarrel differ from Todd’s?
6. How does Mrs. Amos handle the fight between Todd and Bud? How do you feel about
her reaction? Explain your response.
7. How does Mrs. Amos punish Bud for fighting with Todd? Why? Describe the promise
that Mr. and Mrs. Amos break?
8. Why does Bud beg to remain with the Amos family if staying is the opposite of his true
wish?
15 Copyright 2010 BMI Educational Services, Inc.
Chapter 2 page 2
9. What does Todd tell Bud about the conditions awaiting him in the shed?
10. How does Bud describe the shed? Why do you think Bud describes the shed as he does?
11. How does Bud feel when Mr. Amos nudges him to enter the shed? Why do you suppose Bud feels this way?
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