the 57 bus

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater is a nonfiction book based on a true story in Oakland, California. It follows two teenagers from very different backgrounds — Sasha, a white, nonbinary teen from a middle-class family, and Richard, a Black teen from a rough neighborhood. Their lives intersect when Richard sets fire to Sasha’s skirt on the 57 bus, seriously injuring them. The book explores themes of identity, race, class, justice, and forgiveness, showing how one impulsive act changes both of their lives. Through interviews, court documents, and news reports, Slater examines the complexity of the incident and the humanity of everyone involved.