• The 57 Bus

  • A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
  • By: Dashka Slater
  • Narrated by: Robin Miles
  • Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (919 ratings)

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The 57 Bus  By  cover art

The 57 Bus

By: Dashka Slater
Narrated by: Robin Miles
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2017 Dashka Slater (P)2017 Recorded Books

What listeners say about The 57 Bus

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

An Unusual True-Crime Event...Beautifully Written.

This true-story book blazes with terrific writing in a successful attempt to describe the highly unique and brilliant victim who was/is an agender teen so interesting and exciting a human being that I fervently wish I knew them (they, them, their being Sasha’s preferred pronouns). The teen was asleep on a public bus home from school when a random teen (Richard) set fire to Sasha’s skirt which exploded into flames almost instantaneously since it was of a filmy fabric. This resulted in much hospitalization, pain, skin grafts etc. for one while serious legal consequences occurred for the other. Was this a cruel hate crime or the impulsive unthinking act of a playful prankster intending just to singe the skirt’s hem? Added to the excellent reporting here, author Dashka Slater also included thorough info re the juvenile rehabilitation system...overall, a fascinating book in my opinion.

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22 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible story!

I learned so much about humanity as I listened to this story. Had no idea about the transgender and non-gendered world in which we live. I think after listening to this I have a much deeper respect and compassion for those who do not conform to societal norms regarding their gender or sexuality. I would recommend this book as a high school must read. Maybe it would help people understand the beauty of individualism in our young people.

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11 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

This was a terrific, compassionate and even handed look at a shocking crime involving two young people. The book carefully explores the identities and challenges of both teenagers, the problems and potential solutions of the justice system, and societal shifts in gender acceptance. The performance was also very good, clear and solemn but never dull. Highly recommend!

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11 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good story, read don't listen

If mispronounced words drive you crazy, don't listen to the Audibel bok just read the print version.

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6 people found this helpful

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Hated this book

OK. This was boring, confusing as hell and poorly written. The characters lack depth and the swearing and sexual content seems gratuitous. This is definitely NOT appropriate for anyone underage, and quite frankly, as an adult, it left me with NOTHING. Waste of my time. Sorry!

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5 people found this helpful

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Important

This is an important listen about the power of forgiveness and restorative justice. As shocking as the event that took place is, it isn't the major focus of the book. It's about understanding others, developing empathy, and how all parties can find peace after tragedy. An important focus for our time.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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surprisingly good

I had to read this as a summer read and tbh I feel more educated about the trans people. I am a bi person and its kinda inspiring.

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4 people found this helpful

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Good story

It was a little slow for me, in the beginning, but overall a good read.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Game Changer

Not only has audible made me wanna read this for school it helped me keep going. I would have read over an hour without knowing! This book explorers topic of social inequality, justice system (juvenile flaws) and talks about gender identity with lgbtq assumptions. Based on a true story you’ll love hearing the different point of views of the story! 10/10

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2 people found this helpful

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Incredible book!

Loved this book so much. Bravo! Keep on writing. Being a Californian myself and raising two teenagers, I really felt these characters.

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2 people found this helpful