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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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Describe the structure of the book and the impact that structure has on the way the story is told. Comment on the use and style of section headings and how they shape the narrative and the reader’s understanding of it.

Consider the types of texts presented in the book, from official documents to poems to text messages. Why does Slater use such a variety of sources? What is the impact of those, and how is it different from a traditional narrative?

Sasha’s decision to use the pronouns “they, them, themself” brings them attention. Write about the responsibility trail-breaking people have—or don’t have—to be standard-bearers for others.

Is the intersection of Sasha’s and Richard’s lives completely random and senseless, or an inevitable product of their lives and circumstances? How does Slater’s presentation of the text suggest her own opinion on this topic?

Richard’s section of the book ends with him saying of his mother, “I’ma make her happy” (102). Does he, or doesn’t he? How?

How would you change the American prison system? Why?

Should juveniles be charged as adults? Why? What age would be considered “adult?”

Describe the process of restorative justice and explain whether it should be integrated into the court system. Why? Why not?

Slater begins the book by saying of the incident on the bus, “There must be something you can do” (5). What is the effect of this statement, and why does Slater address the reader so early in the text?

10.

Richard’s lawyer argues sending Richard to adult prison will make him “into a real gangster;” the district attorney sums up Richard as doing “well when he was confined and poorly when he wasn’t” (260). Explain how these statements do or do not conflict.