Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis

(Paperback, 288 pages, first published in 1999)

It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan, when 10-year-old Bud decides to hit the road to find his father. You won't forget the journey he'll take you on in this endearing, funny, Newbery-winning page-turner.

Cautions: Bud tells a few lies in order to escape various challenging circumstances, and the book describes an abusive foster family. The book also includes the Lord's name in vain, as well as a kiss. Read PluggedIn's review here for more detail.

Ages: 10+