The 57 Bus

The 57 Bus recounts a real incident from 2013 when two teenagers' lives intersected on a public bus in Oakland, California. One was a Black teen from a low-income neighborhood, the other a white agender teen from a middle-class area. Based on extensive research and interviews, author Dashka Slater reconstructs the events before, during, and after a crime that made national headlines. The narrative follows both teens and their families as they navigate the aftermath and face life-altering consequences. Through this single incident, Slater examines broader societal issues including gender identity, race, class, and juvenile justice in America. The book forces readers to consider questions of culpability, forgiveness, and the possibility of redemption in our criminal justice system.

Readers emphasize the book's balanced portrayal of both Sasha and Richard's perspectives and backgrounds. Many note how it explores complex issues of gender identity, race, class, and justice without oversimplifying. Readers liked: - Clear explanations of gender identity concepts - The journalist's thorough research and interviews - Examination of juvenile justice system realities - Humanizing portrayal of both teenagers involved Main criticisms: - Some found the first third moves slowly - A few readers wanted more detail about the aftermath - Some felt the legal proceedings section was repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (31,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "This should be required reading in high schools," notes one frequent Amazon review sentiment. Multiple Goodreads reviewers praised how it "forces readers to examine their own biases" while keeping a factual, non-sensational tone. Teachers report strong student engagement and meaningful classroom discussions.

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🚌 The title comes from AC Transit's 57 bus line in Oakland, California, which runs from the hills through the flatlands - a route that highlighted the city's stark economic and racial divisions. ✍️ Author Dashka Slater spent over two years investigating and researching this true story, conducting extensive interviews with both families involved and attending numerous court proceedings. ⚖️ The case helped spark important discussions about trying juveniles as adults in California, contributing to Senate Bill 260, which gives juvenile offenders a chance at parole regardless of their sentence. 🏳️‍🌈 Sasha Fleischman's story brought national attention to gender non-binary identity, with major news outlets covering their story and helping educate the public about gender identity beyond the male-female binary. 🎓 The book was named a Stonewall Honor Book, earned the Beatty Award from the California Library Association, and has been incorporated into many school curricula to address topics of gender identity, justice, and empathy.