The Night Bus Hero, Onjali Q. Rauf
The Night Bus Hero, Onjali Q. Rauf
List: $15.00 | Sale: $10.50
Club: $7.50

The Night Bus Hero

Author: Onjali Q. Raúf

Narrator: Ashton Frank

Unabridged: 5 hr 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/08/2022


Synopsis

What does it take to turn a bully into a hero? Empathy and the power of forgiveness take center stage in this poignant novel 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.
 

About The Author

Onjali Q. Raúf is the founder and CEO of Making HerStory, a UK nonprofit that works to fight human trafficking and gender-based abuses and crimes. She is the author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, The Star Outside My Window, and The Night Bus Hero. She lives in the UK. You can find her on Twitter at @OnjaliRauf.


Reviews

Goodreads review by BooksForTopics on September 11, 2020

A wonderfully heartfelt story filled with nuance, empathy and hope from award-winning author Onjali Rauf. This story highlights the topic of homelessness and explores the spectrum of attitudes that people hold towards homeless people, as well as exposing a number of common prejudices. Hector is a tro......more

Goodreads review by Reading_ on January 31, 2023

I appreciate the themes of this story: problematic kids being misunderstood (but also I couldn't ignore the fact that the main character and his friends are bullies and they are actually problematic), busy working parents with three small kids (but also negligence at its best..or worse I would say),......more

Goodreads review by Grace on October 28, 2020

Excellent just like The Boy at the Back of the Class and The Star Outside My Window. Once again, Raúf has managed to write a book that is equally as funny as it is serious, challenging every reader to see homeless people as Hector learns to. Would open up lots of conversation around how we treat oth......more

Goodreads review by Paperback on March 31, 2023

This story raises awareness about homelessness and the power of kindness, making it an excellent choice for parents and educators who want to introduce children to important social issues.......more

Goodreads review by Alice on March 17, 2021

I finished this book, once again in tears, last night. Raúf's craft is so beautiful, you are immersed in the story as soon as you open the book and everything feels so real. It follows the actions of a bully named Hector, who is horrible to anyone who dares to go near him, and a homeless gentleman c......more


Quotes

“Hector’s actions are at first entirely self-serving, his transition into a kinder and more aware person is welcome. . . . Showcase[s] the importance of compassion and forgiveness.” —Publishers Weekly

An admirable vehicle for introducing readers to the subject of homelessness.” —Kirkus Reviews