Bud's Journey and Key Insights

In Chapter One of 'Bud, Not Buddy' by Christopher Paul Curtis, Bud Caldwell, an orphan, is informed by a caseworker that he and another boy, Jerry, are being sent to new foster homes. Bud reflects on his experiences with foster care and the challenges of being six years old. He recalls memories of his mother and checks his suitcase, which holds important flyers that he believes connect him to his father. The chapter explores themes of uncertainty, resilience, and the search for identity.

What is the setting at the beginning of the story?

• A foster home

• A school

• An orphanage

• A park

What does the caseworker's arrival usually signify?

• A new foster home or punishment

• A new toy

• A new teacher

• A holiday announcement

How does Bud correct the caseworker when she calls him?

• He says his name is Bud, not Buddy

• He says his name is Paul

• He says his name is Buddy, not Bud

• He says his name is Jerry

What is Jerry's initial reaction to being placed with a family of three girls?

• He is excited

• He is indifferent

• He is upset

• He is relieved

What does Bud think about being six years old?

• It's the best age

• It's a challenging age

• It's an age of freedom

• It's an age of responsibility

What does Bud do every night before going to sleep?

• He reads a book

• He checks his suitcase

• He writes in a journal

• He talks to Jerry

What is significant about the blue flyer Bud has?

• It has a picture of his mother

• It is a letter from his father

• It mentions Flint, Michigan

• It is a map to a treasure

Who does Bud suspect the man in the flyer might be?

• His brother

• His uncle

• His teacher

• His father

What does Bud think about the man in the flyer?

• He seems confused

• He seems angry

• He seems unfriendly

• He seems quiet and smart

What does Bud remember about his mother and the flyer?

• She was happy about it

• She was upset by it

• She ignored it

• She laughed at it