1. Curtis's use of dialogue is ideal for readers theater. Select a scene, such as Bud's initial meeting with the jazz band or the tale of how Bugs got his name, and perform it for the class.

2. Watch a 1930s Shirley Temple movie like Little Miss Marker. Compare the film to Bud, Not Buddy. Are there similarities or differences? Which do you think is more realistic? Why was Shirley Temple such a popular child star? Would Bud have liked her? Why or why not?

3. Organize a panel discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of placing children in foster homes. Could Bud's experiences still be relevant today? Why or why not?

4. Compare the structure of Bud, Not Buddy with Curtis's earlier work, The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963. Is one more accessible or easier to follow than the other? Why or why not?

5. Identify any stereotypes present in Bud, Not Buddy. How do these stereotypes contribute to the overall story?

6. Was Curtis's subtle approach to racial issues effective? Why or why not?

7. Discuss the theme of a child's search for home and family. Why is this such a common theme in young adult fiction?

8. Curtis addresses the concept of the nontraditional family. How does this idea reflect the saying "Home is where the heart is?" How does it compare to modern family life in the twenty-first century?

9. In small groups, discuss personal journal responses to the story. How do they compare? What are the similarities and differences?

10. Discuss Herman E. Calloway's reaction to discovering Bud's true identity. Speculate on how he will manage his relationship with the child. What might he do next?

11. Discuss Curtis's use of language and humor in Bud, Not Buddy. How do these elements enhance the story? How do they shape the characters?

12. Discuss the tone of the story, which includes moments of joy, violence, and despair. How does Curtis balance these contrasting elements?

13. Have students listen to the audiobook version of Bud, Not Buddy. Discuss the benefits of audiobooks and how they might enhance or detract from the written version.