It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but he's on a mission. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: posters of Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression! Bud's got an idea that those posters will lead to his father. Once he decides to hit the road and find this mystery man, nothing can stop him. I would use this book in a 6th grade classroom to broaden my students knowledge of the Great Depression. This story also gives students a basic knowledge of the music in this time period, particularly Jazz. Other than for historical purposes I would use this book to show readers that everyone desires to have a family and be accepted by those around them. Bud was an orphan who wanted a family so badly he went on a quest to find his father and let nothing get in his way. Many students have no knowledge of what it means to be an orphan, to be in foster care, to not know your family, and to feel as if you are completely alone. Through Bud's story students will receive a better understanding of these things which will help them be more sympathetic and accepting to others.