What is the suitcase a symbol for in Bud, Not Buddy?

In Bud, Not Buddy the suitcase is a symbol of who Bud is. It represents all he has in the world, his past, present and hopefully future. The items in the suitcase (the rocks, blanket, picture of his mother and flyers of this "father") all represent what he is trying to get to in his life. Throughout the book Bud is searching for his "father" relying on the clues left by his mother that reside in that suitcase. It represents security and a connection to "home." Without the suitcase, Bud is lost and without it he will never be able to find that closure that he needs on this journey that he is on. Looking back on the moment he was about to jump the train out of Hooverville he clutches onto the flyer in his hand not willing to let go and lose any part of who he is.

In Bud, Not Buddy, the suitcase, or what is inside of it, is symbolic of Bud's family and his search for identity. The reader meets Bud when he is ten years old and living at the Home, an orphanage.The only connection Bud has with his past is contained within the suitcase: it contains a blanket, rocks that are written upon, flyers of Herman Calloway and his band, and a picture of his Momma. As the story progresses, Bud leaves a foster family and ends up traveling in search of his father, who he mistakenly assumes is Herman Calloway.
During this journey to find his family, Bud carries the suitcase, his most prized possession. However, it is what is inside the suitcase that is priceless, and it confirms his identity to his grandfather, Herman Calloway. When Calloway sees the rocks, the flyers, and the picture of his daughter, Bud's heritage is revealed. After this revelation, Bud realizes he has finally found his family and his home. At the end of the novel, he can finally unpack the suitcase, which had been exchanged for a saxophone case earlier. He spreads the blanket on his bed and tacks the picture of his mother on the wall. He is home. Bud has matured, and the saxophone case with the saxophone, his future, is proof.

Bud's suitcase symbolizes his transient lifestyle as he travels from Flint, Michigan to Grand Rapids in search of his father, as well as everything that Bud considers important in life. Bud carries a blanket, an old tobacco bag with rocks inside, flyers depicting Herman Calloway's performances, extra clothes, and an envelope with his mother's picture inside. These items have particular significance to Bud and represent his connection to his family and past. The items inside the suitcase also contain Bud's memories, which comfort him through difficult experiences and guide him towards Herman Calloway, who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Throughout the novel, Bud carries his suitcase everywhere he goes and never leaves it behind. Bud's suitcase is essentially an extension of himself, because it contains his dearest memories. Overall, Bud's suitcase symbolizes his lifestyle and everything that he considers important in life.