Understanding Characters and Themes in Bud, Not Buddy

Bud wakes up to find Bugs on top of him, and they plan to escape by riding the rails west. They travel to Hooverville, where Bud experiences life in a makeshift community. Through conversations, Bud reflects on his family and future.

What wakes Bud up in the middle of the night?

• A barking dog

• A loud thunderstorm

• A train whistle

• Someone stepping on a stick

Who is the person that jumps on Bud?

• A police officer

• His foster brother

• His friend Bugs

• A stranger

Why does Bugs decide to leave the home?

• He heard Bud had left and wanted to join him

• He was expelled

• He wants to find his family

• He was offered a job out west

What is Bugs' plan for making money?

• Selling newspapers

• Picking fruits out west

• Performing music

• Working in a factory

What does Bugs say about hopping trains?

• It's sometimes scary

• It's always fun

• It's illegal

• It's never dangerous

How do Bud and Bugs plan to find a train to hop?

• By following the tracks

• By asking at the library

• By going to the train station

• By visiting the mission

What is Hooverville?

• A type of train

• A government program

• A makeshift community

• A city in Michigan

What do Bud and Bugs have to do to get food in Hooverville?

• Sing a song

• Pay with money

• Help with chores

• Tell a story

Who is Deza Malone?

• A train conductor

• A girl Bud meets in Hooverville

• Bugs' sister

• A librarian

What does Deza say about families?

• They are not important

• They are a burden

• They are overrated

• They should always be there for each other