Tag Archives: African American literature

Another Door Opens: A Review of ‘Bud, Not Buddy!’

“The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.”–  Mother Teresa

Reading Level

Grades 4-5          [common core]

Grades 3-5, 6-8 [according to Scholastic which reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Grade 5                 [AR]

Interest Level

Grades 4-8          [AR]

Review and Comments

Bud, Not Buddy is a story about a ten year boy who is virtually alone in the very harsh world of the Great Depression.  Bud is living somewhere between the memories of his deceased mother and a yearning for the father he never knew.  During his search for his father, the reader is exposed to lessons about this period in history through the people Bud meets and his deepest thoughts and feelings as only a ten year old can express them. Continue reading Another Door Opens: A Review of ‘Bud, Not Buddy!’

A Steadfast Dream: A Review of ‘Uncle Jed’s Barbershop’

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  Dr.  Martin Luther King

Reading Level:

Grade 2-3 [level according to common core list]

Grade 4.5 [level according to Scholastic which reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level:

Grades 3-5

Review and Comments:

The story of Jedediah Johnson is told through the eyes of Sarah Jean, his great-niece.  Jedediah, her granddaddy’s brother and favorite uncle, is a very significant person in her life who teaches her important lessons. Continue reading A Steadfast Dream: A Review of ‘Uncle Jed’s Barbershop’