Curtis' novel was received well and referenced as a children’s fiction source for learning about the Depression era and Jazz, as well as social issues like violence and racism. Points of discussion have focused on parallels between Bud's journey to find his father, and the common experience of many people during the Great Depression as they had to move around looking for work and new homes.[11] The child narrator and historic context have made Curtis’ book a choice for teachers, the audiobook has also been used as part of teaching curriculums.[13][14]
The novel was praised for its historical context as well as its humorous narrator.[7] Bud has various rules to live by called, “Bud Caldwell’s Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself.”[10][15] Throughout his story, these rules are part of the humor and cleverness expressed by the main character as he encounters different people and situations.[1][15]
Bud’s innocence as a young narrator is repeatedly cited by reviewers and academics studying how Bud experiences, but does not deeply examine, world issues as a child.[6][1] His belief in vampires and other supernatural ideas are also used as discussion point by educators. The simple ways Curtis has Bud describe forms of racism are quoted and highlighted. He is mistreated or helped by other characters in the novel; the former actions coming from his foster family and the latter coming from the friends he makes on the road. Bud's insistence on being addressed by his name and not some alternative nickname is also looked at closely when analyzing the impact of the main character and his personal strength.[9] These are all elements that have been analyzed in academic writing, reviewed and used in classrooms for teaching history, and social justice issues.[6][1][15][16]
The jazz music in the novel is also used as a point of entry for connecting to the story and for expanding on the learning experience, by adding an audio element to the novel. This is noted as a way to recommend students who might be music fans to the story.[13] Jazz music is part of the audio book and discussed as a learning tool on educators resource sites; students who might not have heard jazz are introduced through the audio books inclusion of jazz at the end of chapters.[1][14]
