This is a true story that took place in 2013. It explores many issues and how they are handled. Sasha is an agender, autistic teen who likes wearing skirts. Richard is a teen who decides to set Sasha’s skirt on fire while they are sleeping. It was meant to be a prank. Many things played a role in the sentence that Richard was given. The actual event was horrific no matter what gender. However, when you look at all the facts several things come to mind. So let me start by saying that the incident, no matter what race or gender the victim and perpetrator were needed to be punished. When reading the book I noticed a couple of things in particular. The first thing I noticed was that Sasha was white and Richard was African American. The second thing we notice is their gender identification and their financial status. When you read a book and the victim’s family stands up for the person accused of the crime and it is ignored then you have to imagine something is wrong with the system. Richard is questions without a lawyer and makes statements that paint him as homophobic. Due to this and other circumstances he is tried as an adult. Yes I do believe what he did was wrong on so many levels. Do I believe he should have been tried as an adult? No. This crime changed both lives. By the press and everyone involved focusing on race and gender there was a lot of bias found in this case. The author brings a human side to the story. By telling what happened to both teens and telling us both sides of the story we get a better picture of the humans these two are. So often the news takes a story and puts their own slant on it to fit the politics of the time. I can’t have it on my shelves, but I can sure recommend students check it out from their local library. ( )

Very interesting non fiction account of a teenage hate crime, the ensuing trial and the use of restorative justice. Told from the perspectives of the victim and the perpetrator. ( )

This book was well told and heartwrenching. ( )

I remember when I heard the author of The 57 Bus speak at YALSA. Dashka Slater had done her due diligence with researching this book and she made an interesting point while speaking. She said "what I wanted to do was write a book where just as the case was gray, so I wanted it to be for the audience. I wanted to portray all sides of the individuals--not just who was guilty and who was innocent. This case had so many layers to it. It cannot easily be broken down."

Now having read the book for myself, I can attest that that was achieved.

It follows Sasha, an agender teenager and Richard, a heterosexual black teenager. Sasha's skirt is set on fire while on the 57 Bus and Richard, who held the lighter in his hands, is charged with the crime. This story really introduces both individuals to the reader. We learn about Sasha and their coming into their sexuality. We learn about Richard's checkered past and how he was trying to do something better with his life. We learn about the criminal justice system. We learn about LGBTQ issues. It's an eye opening book.

No, it isn't an easy book. But it is a book that starts a dialogue. On MANY fronts. ( )

Anyone reading this book will find something to challenge previously held beleiefs. Though a relatively quick read, it will be a challenging read for many. The book so eloquently relays the perspectives of the various parties in this true story. ( )