92 pages 3 hours read

Dashka Slater

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives (2017)

Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater recounts a true story of an incident on November 4, 2013, when two high school students, Richard and Sasha, were riding the same bus in Oakland, California. Richard, a troubled but well-meaning teen, impulsively set fire to Sasha’s skirt, causing severe burns. Sasha, who is agender, faced a long recovery, while Richard was tried in the adult criminal justice system. The narrative examines the repercussions for both teens, delving into themes of justice, identity, and societal issues. Sensitive topics covered in the book include violence, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and the criminal justice system.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Dashka Slater’s The 57 Bus earns high praise for its empathetic and balanced portrayal of a real-life incident involving gender identity and social justice. Reviewers commend its journalistic rigor and narrative style, though some critique its heavy reliance on multiple perspectives might confuse readers. Overall, it's hailed for sparking crucial conversations on tolerance and complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The 57 Bus?

Readers who would enjoy The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater are likely interested in social justice, LGBTQ+ issues, and true crime narratives. Fans of Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give or Susan Kuklin's Beyond Magenta will appreciate the compelling blend of personal stories and broader societal themes explored in this book.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Topics

Crime / Legal

Race / Racism

LGBTQ

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction