Just like any other kid—or, ahem, adult—Bud is afraid sometimes. And let's be honest, he's got a lot more to be afraid of than your average kid. The world is a scary place in Bud, Not Buddy. But Bud doesn't let that stand in his way. We're not only talking ghosts and goblins here, but also fears of sleeping alone outside, of starving all day, and of being tricked by adults. He may get the spooks, but if he's going down, he's going down swinging.
Questions About Fear
- How does Bud show that he is scared? How do we feel about him when he is scared? Does it affect how we understand him as a character? How?
- Do you think fear is an important feeling? Should we accept it or push it away? What does Bud do?
- How does fear help move the story along?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Fear is what drives Bud to keep going and to persevere.
Whenever Bud is scared, he has to think fast, and he usually makes good decisions.