The Night Bus Hero
Onjali Q Raúf
This third novel from Onjali Q Raúf, best-selling author of the award-winning The Boy at the Back of the Class, is as surprising and compelling as her previous hit and we guess, likely to be just as popular with pupils and teachers. Having upset most of his family and classmates, 10-year-old bully and narrator of the story, Hector, fixes his hatred on a local homeless man, who he assumes is responsible for a series of thefts from London landmarks. When Hector discovers he is mistaken, he sets out to track down the true thief, finding help and learning life lessons along the way from the homeless community he previously held in such disdain, as well as from his arch-enemy, the class swot Mei-Li. Deftly tackling bullying, homelessness and the redemptive power of kindness all in one swoop, this story also delivers enough intrigue to interest older readers, whilst the clear language makes it accessible to all. With great pace and humour too, this is an ideal class reader and the extra resources at the end will help to prompt further discussion. We loved it!
Published by Orion Children’s Books
