Bud, Not Buddy is a fascinating story about a young 10-year old orphan boy who grew up during the Great Depression. Author, Christopher Paul Curtis shows us the travels of this boy from his time with his no-so-friendly foster parents--The Amos's--to his real home with Herman E. Calloway and the traveling band. If this story was made into a movie or television series, I would want to see it in black and white. Especially, since it took place in the 1930's. It gives it that old feel. The thing that I would do differently is to transition from black and white to color later on in the story. I thought of the movie, The Wizard of Oz. This movie was filmed in the early 30's. After the tornado came, Dorothy woke up in a new, colorful world. The change from black and white would slowly begin after someone yells out, “One, two, one two three!” (p. 200). The band begins from one instrument to the next. As each instrument begins, more color is added to the scene. The sticks begin to brush against the cymbals and drums, fingers begin to snap, the horn and piano begins, followed by the sax, the strumming of the fiddle, and finally the beautiful voice of Miss Thomas. This would be a great spot for the color to come into play because music is what brings people to life. I couldn’t think of a better place for the colors to come in. I would recommend this book to anyone at any age! When reading this book, young people can begin to appreciate what they have today as opposed to life in the depression era. They can gain some knowledge about history too! "If we do not learn from the mistakes of history, we are doomed to repeat them." George Santayana.
