Curtis makes only subtle references to race. Were it not for the dust cover, we would be well into the story before we recognized Bud's heritage. It is when Mrs. Amos reprimands him bitterly: "Boy—I am not the least bit surprised at your show of ingratitude. Lord knows I have been stung by my own people before—I do not have time to put up with the foolishness of those members of our race who do not want to be uplifted," that we are aware of color. Neither are we aware of Deza Malone's background until Bud notices a "dimple in her brown cheek" and even then it could be a suntan from living out of doors.
Lefty Lewis gives Bud advice about the possible dangers to a "young brown-skinned boy" alone on the Michigan roads.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 673 words. This
study guide contains 20,042 words (approx. 67 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our Bud, Not Buddy Access Pass.
