A touching and humorous story about a Ten-year-old boy on the run! Foster child Bud Caldwell, during the height of the Great Depression in 1936 leaves Flint, Michigan on a humorous adventure where he meets many interesting characters. When Bud eventually arrives in Grand Rapids, he meets Herman Calloway and all the members of the band who welcome him into their lives. As the story comes to a close, we learn that Calloway is Bud's grandfather and Bud at last he has a place to call "home". A captivating story told in the first person (from Bud's point of view) this novel is an excellent read aloud. The historical setting, intriguing cast of characters, and themes of racial and societal prejudice all provide excellent opportunities for teaching, learning and discussion.