Reviews with content warning for Bullying - Bus 57: Eine wahre Geschichte

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Bus 57: Eine wahre Geschichte by Dashka Slater

10 reviews

the_embodiment_of_chaos's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

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mandi4886's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

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morebedsidebooks's review against another edition

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emotional informative medium-paced

4.0

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater is a YA nonfiction book around a 2013 crime on an Oakland, California bus route involving two teenagers that gained attention around the world. On one late afternoon Sasha a middle-class, white, vegan, autistic, agender (and gray-cupiosexual, aromantic, quoiromantic) private school student, who as they usually did, was wearing a gauzy white skirt as part of their ensemble. A skirt which will be set on fire resulting in serious burns to 22% of their body. An impulsive and unexplainable act from another passenger on the ride home, Richard a working class, African-American, extra youthful, public school class cutup, together on the bus with his cousin plus another boy Richard knew who gave him a lighter and particularly remarked about Sasha.

An accomplished writer, Slater paints a portrait of these two young people whose lives overlapped mere minutes until that day. Their interests, adversities, along with friends, family, and school employees in one of the most diverse and disparate cities in the US. Further delving into adolescent development, gender, sexuality, violence, hate crimes, the justice system (especially shifts and viewpoints involving juvenile offenses) and media coverage.

As Sasha put it in an interview: “I was really excited that an agender person was in the news,” they said later. “But I wasn’t that excited about the circumstances, obviously. Those were my feelings: This is really great—but does it have to be me?”

It should be noted the language around sexuality and gender early on is foregrounded in the book by the disclaimer: “Because language is evolving rapidly, and because different people have different preferences, always adopt the language individuals use about themselves, even if it differs from what’s here.” Still, the book does unfortunately choose less apt definitions for some terms. Bisexual and biromantic entries cite "attracted to both men and women.” This can be true and used by some but, bi is typically and has for some time been defined as attracted to two or more genders/lack thereof, same gender and/or different, more than one gender etc.. Likewise, bigender doesn’t have to mean male/female it’s a gender identification with at least two. Then is “Androgynous—"Identifies as a third gender that blends male and female characteristics”. Androgyny isn’t limited to gender identity (or sexual/romantic orientation) but is further about expression.

When considering the question of what true justice is, restorative justice is too given a fair amount of attention. Though one chapter, sticking out as unrelated other than taking place at Oakland High, with an example of elements of this in practice while in addition trying to get at a concept of multiple truths doesn’t come off necessarily well. I don’t know if it is because of brevity (some chapters are really short). But also recognizing the root of a transgression, say a pervasive system of attitudes and beliefs at play, is fundamental part in repairing social relationships and further tackling unjust structures.

Truly, The 57 Bus is a book that made my heart ache and my mind feel full. Not just because of the events and amazing reflections of those involved. But, in additionally the impetus of turning back to thoughts about my own identity and frankly messed-up adolescence. Personally, I may exercise emotional forgiveness in my life. But situations are truly so unique, complicated, along with plenty of misconceptions with ideas around forgiveness that can be detrimental to concur with a statement like “To forgive, you have to forget,” he counseled. “Because otherwise you haven’t truly forgiven.” It’s just not always possible, nor necessary.

All the same I’m glad for the people involved in this story who were able to experience positives through it all. Importantly that their story is told. The layered perspectives and empathy on display in the book will surely be valuable to both teen and adult readers.

Special note: as time has passed The 57 Bus has won multiple awards and made many best books list. As well as the dubious attention of appearing frequently in book challenges for “mature content, LGBTQ+ themes, explicit language, and inflammatory political commentary”. Especially with a nonfiction narrative like this being targeted, there’s a particular sense that it’s real people’s mere existence, lived experiences and education around this and current social issues that are what is truly under attack. Time and again adult anxieties, attempts at control and even bigotry is imparted as concern over material that reflect a variety of adolescent realities. It is important to remember that children have important human rights as well. And are frankly involved in the world more than one might give credit. This book for teens and the real story contained in it should continue to be widely available and generate important discussions and reflection.

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