92 pages • 3 hours read
The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives (2017)
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Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
Oakland, California • 2010s
2017
YA
12-18 years
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.
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Heartwarming
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
43,641 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
43,641 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Book • Nonfiction
Oakland, California • 2010s
2017
YA
12-18 years
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