This is the real deal—a book that won major awards for good reason. Curtis nails the balance between making kids laugh and making them think, all while teaching actual history that matters.

The Depression-era setting is brought to life through Bud's voice, which is funny and sharp and never feels like you're reading a textbook. But let's be clear: this book doesn't sugarcoat the hard stuff. Foster care abuse, racism, a dead mom, and grinding poverty are all here. It's handled age-appropriately for 4th-6th graders, but you'll want to be ready for some conversations.

The good news? Those conversations are worth having, and the book gives you a natural opening. Plus, kids genuinely enjoy reading it—the mystery, the humor, and Bud's resourcefulness keep it from feeling heavy despite the heavy topics. At 4.7 stars on Amazon and multiple prestigious awards, this isn't just good-for-you reading; it's actually good reading.

Not for sensitive 7-year-olds or kids who aren't ready for emotional complexity. But for the right age range, this is exactly the kind of book that sticks with you and builds both empathy and historical understanding.