The 57 Bus

The 57 Bus

by

Dashka Slater

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The 57 Bus makes teaching easy.

The 57 Bus: Part 2: Where He Left Off Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Richard begins to spend most of his free time in Kaprice’s office. His grades have started to improve, and he likes to hang out and talk with the other students who come to check in. Richard is much like a “little counselor” to the other students, and he plays around with them, making everyone laugh. “There’s already enough craziness,” Richard tells Kaprice. “I just like happy stuff.”
This description again paints Richard in such a light that it is difficult to believe that his impending attack on Sasha is malicious. Richard is caring and sensitive, and much like Sasha, is largely misunderstood by others. Richard is not a stereotypical criminal.
Themes
Accountability, Redemption, and Forgiveness Theme Icon
To everyone in his life, Richard is “the funny one, the one who makes people smile.” Jasmine begins to plan a trip to Disneyland for the family, and she questions if Richard will have any fun since he is a teenager now. But Richard isn’t worried. “I’m going to have fun like I’m five years old,” he says.
Jasmine’s plans to take Richard to Disneyland again emphasize the fact that Richard is still a child, and that he should not be tried as an adult for Sasha’s attack.
Themes
Adolescent Crime vs. Adult Crime Theme Icon
Quotes