Crossword Puzzle Pack for Use with Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

These Bud, Not Buddy crossword puzzles check vocabulary and story details from Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, written for Grades 5-8. It is a no-prep 48-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
• Grades: 5th–8th
• Resource type: Crossword puzzles
• Format: 48-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.5.4, L.6.4, L.7.4, L.8.4, RL.5.1, RL.5.4, RL.6.1, RL.6.4 and more
• Price: $3.00

Deepen comprehension and critical thinking with these no-prep crossword puzzles designed for Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. Your students will love the challenge of recalling characters, settings, plot events, and vocabulary from every chapter!

If you’re looking for a way to move beyond simple recognition and push students to actively retrieve what they know, this pack is your go-to. These crosswords require inference, recall, and textual evidence — perfect for quick comprehension checks or meaningful review. And because everything is print-and-go, you can skip the planning and get straight to teaching.

What’s Included:

• 12 crossword puzzles total — 10 chapter-unit crosswords covering all 19 chapters, plus 2 whole-book review crosswords
• 170 clues that blend Tier 2 academic vocabulary and Tier 3 domain-specific terms rooted in the novel’s Depression-era and jazz-age context
• Scaffolded difficulty — every puzzle includes easy, medium, and challenging clues to support all learners in Grades 5-8
• Complete answer keys for every puzzle — quick grading or student self-check
• Well-illustrated design with thematic artwork that brings the world of the novel to life
• Available in both full-color and black & white versions — ink-friendly printing whenever you need it
• 48 pages of ready-to-use content

These crosswords shine as chapter check-ins, comprehension quizzes, cooperative learning activities, test review, or independent study. They’re equally powerful for whole-group work, small-group stations, or a quiet early-finisher challenge. Need sub plans? Leave this pack and rest easy knowing students stay engaged with the text.

Aligned to Common Core ELA standards RL.5.1, RL.5.4, RL.6.1, RL.6.4, RL.7.1, RL.7.4, RL.8.1, RL.8.4, L.5.4, L.5.6, L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6, L.8.4, and L.8.6, these puzzles strengthen both reading literature and vocabulary acquisition skills in one activity.

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and give your students a rewarding way to demonstrate their understanding!

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. All references to characters, settings, and events are used for educational purposes only to support reading comprehension and classroom instruction. This resource does not include the original text. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content in this resource is original and created by the seller.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More Bud, Not Buddy resources

All Bud, Not Buddy activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 5-8 (TpT lists 5th-8th).

How long is it?

It is a 48-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 1 Week.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of Bud, Not Buddy?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($3.00) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.