The 57 Bus

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.

Praise for The 57 Bus:

Stonewall Book Award
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
A School Library Journal Best Books of 2017
A Washington Post Best Book of 2017
One of The New York City Public Library Notable 50 Best Books for Teens
The California Book Awards Young Adult Winner
An ILA Notable Book for a Global Society
Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award Winner

An outstanding book that links the diversity of creed and the impact of impulsive actions to themes of tolerance and forgiveness. --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This painful story illuminates, cautions, and inspires. --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Stonewall Book Award--Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children's & Young Adult Literature Award Winner
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
A School Library Journal Best Books of 2017!
A Washington Post Best Book of 2017!
One of The New York City Public Library Notable 50 Best Books for Teens!
The California Book Awards Young Adult Winner!
An ILA Notable Book for a Global Society!
Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award Winner!

A sensitive study of an incident wrapped up in so many modern conundrums. --The Financial Times

Slater artfully unfolds a complex and layered tale about two teens whose lives intersect with painful consequences. This work will spark discussions about identity, community, and what it means to achieve justice. --School Library Journal, starred review

An outstanding book that links the diversity of creed and the impact of impulsive actions to themes of tolerance and forgiveness. --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This painful story illuminates, cautions, and inspires. --Publishers Weekly, starred review

It is likely that this account will spark conversations, debates, and contemplation, perhaps leading readers to define for themselves what justice means.--VOYA

[A] multi-layered lesson on the healing power of humanity. --Shelf Awareness, starred review

Slater has crafted a compelling true-crime story with ramifications for our most vulnerable youth. --The Horn Book

Dashka Slater has written many books, including Baby Shoes, The Sea Serpent and Me, which was a Junior Library Guild Selection, Escargot, and Dangerously Ever After. She is also an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in Newsweek, Salon, The New York Times Magazine, and Mother Jones. She lives in California

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