The 57 Bus
A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
2017 • 320 pages
Ratings16
Average rating3.8
15
A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Ratings16
Average rating3.8
This riveting nonfiction book for teens about race, class, gender, crime, and punishment tells the true story of an agender teen who was set on fire by another teen while riding a bus in Oakland, California. One teenager in a skirt. One teenager with a lighter. One moment that changes both of their lives forever. If it weren't for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. Both were high school students from Oakland, California, one of the most diverse cities in the country, but they inhabited different worlds. Sasha, a white teen, lived in the middle-class foothills and attended a small private school. Richard, a black teen, lived in the crime-plagued flatlands and attended a large public one. Each day, their paths overlapped for a mere eight minutes. But one afternoon on the bus ride home from school, a single reckless act left Sasha severely burned, and Richard charged with two hate crimes and facing life imprisonment. The case garnered international attention, thrusting both teenagers into the spotlight.
Reviews with the most likes.
Wow. Just reading the opening intro aloud is going to make a killer booktalk. This book made me cry multiple times and is a nuanced, unbiased, and smartly formatted reporting of a tragic event. Definitely my vote for the YALSA Nonfiction award this year. So much for teens to unpack and reflect on, looking forward to selling this.
A valuable book in many respects, The 57 Bus addresses crucial themes. The author clearly has a younger audience in mind, resulting in a somewhat juvenile writing style. This isn't necessarily a flaw, as the book's primary aim is to make its messaging and information accessible, which is crucial in order to reach more people. However, this approach did somewhat diminish my overall experience. The events recounted within the book are incredibly complex and emotional, leaving an untapped opportunity to delve deeper into this gripping narrative.
Apart from a few subpar descriptions of gender identity, the author does well in educating readers who may be unfamiliar with this topic. The book also effectively highlights class distinctions and material conditions. It cannot be overstated how vital it is to emphasize these factors if we are to comprehend why such events occurred, particularly in the case of Richard.
The 57 Bus serves as a commendable introduction to understanding the LGBTQ community, specifically the non-binary experience, and systemic racism. However, I feel it does fall short in its writing. Regardless, it's a worthwhile read, offering a quite compelling account of a true and devastating story.
