A lot of the wisdom in Bud, Not Buddy comes from children who are figuring out life for themselves, sometimes with the help of some wise adults who share lessons with them. Often, we get to see how children see and interpret adults, and we also get to see how they think differently about a lot of important things. Bud doesn't take things for granted, and he's highly suspicious of adults and of society in general. And, we've got to say, he has some pretty good reasons to be suspicious. Society has not been kind to this ten-year-old black orphan boy. But that doesn't get Bud down. It's Bud's optimistic and, yes, even wise outlook that get him through the book.
Questions About Wisdom and Knowledge
- In what ways does Bud, Not Buddy promote optimism?
- Would you call Bud wise? Why, or why not?
- What is the best lesson or two that you learned from Bud?
Chew on This
Wisdom is something we can learn from every child, not just Bud Caldwell.
Bud is not necessarily wise, but naïve and simple-minded.