92 pages 3 hours read

Dashka Slater

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives (2017)

Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 2017

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Essay Topics

1.

Describe the structure of the book and the impact that structure has on the way the story is told. Comment on the use and style of section headings and how they shape the narrative and the reader’s understanding of it. 

2.

Consider the types of texts presented in the book, from official documents to poems to text messages. Why does Slater use such a variety of sources? What is the impact of those, and how is it different from a traditional narrative? 

3.

Sasha’s decision to use the pronouns “they, them, themself” brings them attention. Write about the responsibility trail-breaking people have—or don’t have—to be standard-bearers for others.