The Bus People

by Rachel Anderson

In spite of the intellectual, emotional, and physical barriers between him and the student who ride his bus every day, Bertram, a bus driver for special children, enjoys a special friendship with his passengers.

Genres: Realistic Fiction

102 pages, hardback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

kids who ride the bus for children with disabilities

[Savannah Dodd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie initially I chose this book because of its length, but when I read first sentence on the back of the book I became rather eager to read it. It states that the book is, "A collection of compassionately and realistically drawn portraits of mentally disabled children." I have a really special place in my heart for those on this Earth that struggle with mental and/or physical disabilities, they are truly some of my heroes. I would recommend this book to all high school age and older. I think it is important for people to understand that just because someone is different than you, it doesn't mean that they aren't worthy of your time or attention, I can guarantee (just like this book illustrates) they want to do the same things that we do, have real life experiences, play, be accepted, and have a sense of community. There were a few frustrating parts, like the snotty, or mean spirited people, but it was a really legitimate representation--sometimes people just suck. But the more aware we are of differences, the more we can become capable of love.

I would have my classes read this book. I think it is important to implement texts that describe and depict what the majority of students cant comprehend, maybe then they will be more compassionate and willing to branch out of their comfort zone. Likewise, maybe it would give the students who feel unrepresented a chance to connect with a text and feel like their story is being told and heard.

I didn't think there was anything sex, drugs or rock and roll worthy to report. Other than the fact that there is some teasing and snide remarks.

[Ashlyn Ahrendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a bus driver and the amazing children that aboard his bus everyday. Bertram drives the "short bus" for the kids with special needs. This book follows Bertram's bus route and explores the lives of these amazing youth. This book shows the background of each child on the route, and explores their disabilities-- it will most certainly open your eyes to the world of special needs children and how their world works.

I loved this book, as I am to become a future educator. No doubt I will have some students who will have disabilities, and I think this is a great book to help spread awareness about special needs children. This book helped open my eyes to the life and unique world of kids with disabilities. These kids are special, and this book helps them have a voice. I loved it!

[Whitney Priestley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't a huge fan of this book in particular. I thought that the characters in the book weren't very well developed. I think that this book really had the potential to be good but it didn't impress me all that much. Another thing that bothered me was that I felt like the characters weren't connected enough, I think I would've liked it a lot more if all their stories were more woven together. However, it was a quick a light read so not too awful.

WARNINGS; there are none really.

[Anaïs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because it was well written and i enjoyed the story of every of this children.