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Bud, Not Buddy cover
Children · Ages 10–14

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Age rating: Ages 10–14 · Children

Age rating and Christian content guidance for parents.

First published 1994

During the Great Depression, ten-year-old Bud Caldwell escapes a foster home to find the jazz musician he believes is his father.

Concern Level

27/ 100

Mild

Virtue Level

49/ 100

Rich

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Things to consider

Sexual Content5

The content is entirely chaste with no romantic or sexual scenes.

Violence / Gore25

Bud experiences a physical altercation with a foster brother and an encounter with a hornet nest.

Profanity / Language15

There are occasional mild insults and period-accurate rough language used by adults.

Blasphemy10

There are a few instances of taking the Lord's name in vain as exclamations.

Substance Use15

The setting includes jazz clubs where adults drink alcohol and smoke tobacco.

Suicide & Self-Harm0

There are no instances of self-harm or suicide content.

Scary / Disturbing30

Bud's night locked in a dark, cramped shed is tense and frightening for younger readers.

Occult & Witchcraft0

There is no magic, witchcraft, or occult activity in the story.

Sexuality & Gender Themes0

There are no LGBTQ+ characters or themes present in the book.

Worldview & Spirituality10

The story focuses on survival and perseverance within a realistic historical framework.

Anti-God or Christian Portrayal5

The book does not portray Christianity or the church in a negative light.

Virtues to celebrate

Courage & Sacrifice85

Bud shows immense bravery and resilience while traveling alone during a difficult era.

Faith & Hope20

Characters occasionally mention God or prayer in a general, culturally Christian sense.

Love & Friendship80

The story emphasizes the deep bond of family and the kindness of strangers.

Forgiveness & Redemption50

Themes of reconciliation appear as Bud learns the truth about his family and their past conflicts.

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