Book Summary:

"The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives" is a work of narrative nonfiction by Dashka Slater that covers a true event that occurred on November 4, 2013. The book focuses on the interaction between two high school students, which lasts just a matter of minutes, but leads to an event that has an extraordinarily complex aftermath. One student sets the other on fire, and the book explores the social and cultural values that lead up to and follow this event. The book is a testament to the power of forgiveness and how true justice may be found outside of a courtroom.

Weekly Reading Plan:

• Week 1: Pages 1-74, Part I; Chapter "Sasha" - Part II; end of "Princess of East Oakland"
• Week 2: Pages 75-150, Part II; Chapter "The Best Mother Ever" - Part III; end of "This Is Real"
• Week 3: Pages 151-225, "Booked In" - Part IV; end of "What To Say"
• Week 4: Pages 226-302, "Always Ok" - "Some Numbers: US Juvenile Incarceration" (or end of the book!)

To purchase online, the book can be found on Amazon.