The Night Bus Hero
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

The Night Bus Hero

Written by Onjali Q. Raúf

A prank gone too far forces a bully to seek redemption and change his fate.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,226 ratings
256 pages
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Bookroo's summary

Hector, known for his troublemaking, faces a life-altering moment after a prank on a homeless man goes too far. Shamed by a classmate, he yearns for redemption and a new identity. As he navigates the complexities of empathy and forgiveness, Hector must prove he can change. Will his efforts to be seen differently succeed, or will his past define him? This heartfelt tale explores the power of seeing beyond appearances and the courage to transform one's life. Can Hector become the hero he never thought he could be?

From the publisher

What does it take to turn a bully into a hero? Empathy and the power of forgiveness take center stage in this poignant novel–now in paperback!–by the award-winning author of The Boy at the Back of the Class. Getting in trouble is what Hector does best. He knows that not much is expected of him. In fact, he gets some of his most brilliant prank ideas while sitting in detention. But how far is too far? When Hector plays a prank on a homeless man and is seen and shamed by a schoolmate, he reaches a turning point. He wants to be viewed differently and decides to do something that will change his fate for the better. But will anyone take him seriously? This moving story told with humor and heart presents readers with some recognizable characters, like a bully and a teacher’s pet, and introduces them to some they may not be so familiar with–like those who are homeless, who live on the street, and whose stories are equally meaningful and important. Readers will feel motivated to see the best in others and hopeful that bad things can be overcome with effort.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
256
Reading age
10–13
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
840L
Themes & topics
Books about pranksBooks about forgiveness
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~5.4
F&P level
~T
Publication
Published
February 7, 2023
First published
October 15, 2020
Publisher
Yearling
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780593382066

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