From Hooverville to Found Family – A Multidisciplinary Journey Through the Great Depression

Engage students in grades 3-12 with this comprehensive Part 2 novel study that brings the second half of Christopher Paul Curtis’s beloved Newbery Medal winner to life through literature, history, science, and social-emotional learning!

Perfect For:

• Novel Studies & Literature Circles
• Homeschool Families (multiple children/grade levels)
• Cross-Curricular Units (History, Science, Music integration)
• Substitute Teachers (complete, ready-to-use plans)
• Reading Specialists working with diverse learners

Skills & Standards Addressed:

Literature:

• Character development analysis
• Theme identification and evidence
• Historical fiction comprehension
• Symbolic interpretation

History:

• Great Depression era research
• Jazz Age cultural significance
• Primary source analysis
• Then vs. now comparisons

Science:

• Sound wave properties
• Frequency and harmony experiments
• Scientific method application
• Data collection and analysis

Social-Emotional Learning:

• Identity and belonging exploration
• Empathy and perspective-taking
• Collaboration and communication
• Resilience and coping strategies

Session Highlights:

Session 1: Community in Crisis

• Hooverville survival strategies
• Nutrition science of Depression-era foods
• Community design challenges

Session 2: Music and Identity

• Jazz culture exploration
• Sound wave experiments
• Character relationship analysis

Session 3: Belonging and Transformation

• Naming ceremony significance
• Cross-cultural research projects
• Personal identity symbol creation

Session 4: Legacy and Resolution

• Character arc completion
• Choose-your-own culminating projects
• Theme synthesis and real-world connections

Implementation Made Easy:

• Materials List with free/low-cost alternatives
• Session timing guides for different schedules
• Discussion starter questions for family engagement
• Differentiation strategies for struggling and advanced learners

What You Need:

• Copies of “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis
• Basic classroom/household supplies (detailed list included)
• Access to library or internet for research components

Bonus Features:

• Family engagement activities to extend learning at home
• Community connection suggestions for real-world application
• Resource lists with recommended reading and online materials
• Portfolio organization system for student work samples

Transform your novel study from simple reading comprehension to deep, meaningful learning that connects literature to life, history to science, and individual growth to community belonging!

Don’t forget to check out Part 1 for the complete Bud, Not Buddy experience!