Listen free for 30 days

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Bucking the Sarge cover art

Bucking the Sarge

Written by: Christopher Paul Curtis
Narrated by: Michael Boatman
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $22.72

Buy Now for $22.72

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

Luther T. Farrell has got to get out of Flint, Michigan. 

As his best friend Sparky says, "Flint's nothing but the Titanic."

And his mother, aka the Sarge, says, "Take my advice and stay off the sucker path."

The Sarge milked the system to build an empire of slum housing and group homes. Luther's just one of the many people trapped in the Sarge's Evil Empire, but he's about to bust out.

If Luther wins the science fair this year, he'll be on track for college and a future as America's best-known and best-loved philosopher. All he's got to do is beat his arch rival Shayla Patrick, the beautiful daughter of Flint's finest undertaker, and the love of Luther's life.

Sparky's escape plans involve a pit bull named Poofy and the world's scariest rat. Oh, and Luther. Add to the mix Chester X., Luther's mysterious roommate; Dontay Gaddy, a lawyer whose phone number is 1-800-SUE'M ALL; and Darnell Dixon, the Sarge's go-to guy who knows how to break all the rules.

Bucking the Sarge is a story that only Christopher Paul Curtis could tell. Once again the Newbery Award-winning author of Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 gives us a whole new angle on life and a world full of unforgettable and hilarious characters. Readers will root for Luther and Sparky every step of the way.

©2004 Christopher Paul Curtis (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

What the critics say

"Hilarious.... Gripping story." (Booklist)

"Curtis tells the teen's story with his usual combination of goofy humor, tongue-in-cheek corniness, and honest emotion....Any teen who's ever wanted to stick it to the man (or woman) will love this story." (School Library Journal

What listeners say about Bucking the Sarge

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.