Christopher Paul Curtis did a fantastic job of putting the reader into the shoes of Bud. Bud is an orphaned 10 year old black boy living during the Depression.  After he has been abused by his latest foster family he runs away, riding the railroad trying to find his birth father.  Bud's life experiences are heartbreaking at times, but he is a hilarious 10 years old that once knocked down, gets right back up on his feet.  I would 100% recommend this book to any reader, adult or young alike. 

I also found this book trailer on youtube and apparently this book has been acted out in Chicago and I have attached a clip from that as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paLKLoeozvU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIwiNWSRl1U