This means:
* We see everything through Bud's eyes: We only know what Bud knows, thinks, and feels. We experience the story through his understanding and perception of the world, even if it's not always accurate.
* We hear Bud's voice: We get a sense of his personality, vocabulary, and humor through his narration. His language is simple and honest, reflecting his age and background.
* The story is subjective: We experience the events and characters through Bud's filter. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into Bud's journey.
Using first person narration allows Christopher Paul Curtis to:
* Give us a unique and authentic perspective: We understand the story through the eyes of a young African American boy in the 1930s, experiencing the world through his lens.
* Emphasize Bud's resilience and hope: The story is told through Bud's optimistic and determined perspective, highlighting his strength in the face of hardship.
* Develop Bud's character: The reader learns about Bud's personality and motivations through his internal thoughts and reactions.
By telling the story from Bud's point of view, *Bud, Not Buddy* provides a deeply personal and engaging journey, allowing readers to connect with Bud's experiences and understand his search for belonging and identity.