Hiding from the School Bus: Breaking Free from Control, Fear, Isolation and a Childhood without Education

by Calvin Bagley

In Hiding from the School Breaking Free from Control Fear, Isolation and a Childhood Without Education, Calvin Bagley courageously chronicles his journey through isolation, fear and religious contradiction. This powerful memoir reveals how navigating PTSD, dealing with childhood trauma and reexamining core beliefs can form the foundation for genuine transformation, resilience and healing.

Growing up in a family where education was forbidden and daily life was a desperate struggle for survival, Bagley takes readers on a journey through terrain rarely explored with such raw authenticity. His gripping, unforgettable story speaks to anyone who wants to peek behind the curtain of a tragic childhood and see how one man broke free of his painful past to create an extraordinary adulthood.

More than a tale of survival, this compelling narrative demonstrates how confronting the past can lead to genuine growth for a brilliant, joyful future. Bagley's testimony provides hope and practical insights for living a content and fulfilling life despite difficult beginnings. For readers seeking stories that honestly address painful pasts and building a life filled with love, success and faith, Bagley offers validation, inspiration and a pathway toward unexpected grace and wholeness.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I learned Calvin had written his memoir, I was both surprised and eager to read it. Knowing him professionally, I could never have imagined the depth of trials he endured and overcame.

I have the privilege of working with Calvin and his wife, Karissa, meeting them in 2020 when I was doing work in Nevada. They are truly wonderful people with two beautiful children, a successful business, and many dreams they are bringing to life. They are a family that helps others become. One would never guess, from knowing Calvin today, that his beginnings were so dire and filled with undue hardship.

In Hiding from the School Bus, Calvin courageously shares his story of growing up in rural Utah in extreme poverty, often hungry, and navigating apathetic parents who imposed rigid beliefs on their children while sparing themselves from the same deprivations. Including education. Calvin never had the opportunity to go to school with other kids. When it was determined he was old enough, he was homeschooled in basic alphabet and reading by an older sister. What stands out most is how Calvin and his siblings, supported in small but meaningful ways by a few community members and each other, found resilience and even joy amidst such difficult circumstances.

The book is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Some stories left me in tears and deep sadness, such as his first scouting camp trip, the “forbidden” Monopoly board incident, and the chilling account of his parents sheltering and adoring an abusive cousin. Other stories brought smiles and genuine happiness at the way Calvin and his siblings carved out moments of fun, connection, and hope for the future.

I found myself cheering when Calvin finally left home and began building his own life, figuring out who he was beyond his upbringing, seizing opportunities, and shaping himself into the remarkable person he is today. His journey is a powerful reminder that self perseverance, courage, and kindness from even a few people can alter the course of a life.

I highly recommend this book, it will stay with you long after you finish the last page.

[Nathaly Maldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of success stories where the protagonist grows to realize the importance of the education their family may not agree with and goes against their upbringing to pursue something they were never taught. But Bagley’s retelling of his past completely blew me away with how honest and raw it was. Not many people delve into the anxiety and uncertainty that stems from such an intense upbringing that prohibited practically any type of outside education, even basic knowledge of modern medicine & its effectiveness. His storytelling was great, for better or worse I felt like I was right there with him trying to navigate a tumultuous family dynamic and shaky understanding of the world around him. There were many times as I was reading that I’d get so caught up in what he was going through that I’d eagerly hope things got better for him. Finishing this memoir was so immensely satisfying because it was an undeniable confirmation that Bagley did in fact “make it out.” Not only that, he was also able to reflect and make enough peace with his experiences that he found himself in a place where he was able to put it into words and decide to share it. That in and of itself is enough to inspire readers pursue their own healing and understand that peace is possible even if one must take it day by day.

[Misty Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started Hiding from the School Bus, I didn’t really know what to expect, it hit me much harder than I thought it would.

This isn’t an easy read. Bagley lays out why it was like growing up isolated and afraid, and the way he describes dodging that school bus every day just gutted me. I kept thinking about my own kids and how awful it would be for them to miss out on friends, teachers, and even the chaos of a regular classroom.

The writing is uneven-some chapters drag, others flyby-but in a way, that rawness makes it feel more authentic. There’s one scene one he realizes everything he missed out on that honestly made me tear up.

Some parts are tough to sit with, especially the control his family had over him. But the flip side-seeing him finally break free and build his own life-is what stuck with me long after I finished.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you’re ready for something heavy. It’s not polished or “inspirational”in the neat sense. It’s messy, painful, and real.

[Darrah Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calvin Bagley’s "Hiding From the School Bus" is a powerful memoir that not only dives deep into the consequences of restricted education, but highlights the intersection of familial and religious trauma. Bagley’s honest self-reflection and vivid language capture the instability, hostility, and dysfunction that often sprouts from parental neglect, indifference, and manipulation. There are many profound lines Bagley’s written in this novel that will stick with you long after you’ve read it, strengthened in no small part by his masterful command of figurative language. For me, "Hiding From the School Bus" not only opened my eyes to the dire impact of being confined away from a conventional education, but has reminded me of how important it is to uncover, learn, and reflect on family history; understand the role of family religion in one’s personal identity development; and realistically examine how time and place affect each of us, our families, and ourselves.

[Kel P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. Calvin’s story about growing up without access to real education while being controlled and isolated felt painfully familiar. I was raised in a very strict religious environment where questioning anything was seen as rebellion. Reading his words brought back memories I’ve tried to bury for years.

The parts about fear and control especially resonated with me. I remember being told as a child that if I didn’t obey perfectly, I was disappointing my family and God. That kind of pressure warps your sense of self-worth, and it took me years to unlearn it. Calvin’s courage in sharing his own journey through that kind of trauma made me feel less alone.

This was a tough read emotionally, but it was definitely worth it. If you’ve ever experienced religious trauma or grown up in an environment where control and fear ruled, this book will feel like someone finally putting words to what you’ve lived through.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding from the School Bus by Calvin Bagley is a quiet yet emotionally stirring exploration of fear, resilience, and self discovery. Through a simple premise and intimate storytelling, Bagley captures the universal experience of confronting what we avoid whether it’s a literal school bus or the heavier burdens of growing up and facing change.

The writing carries a sense of vulnerability and sincerity that allows readers to connect with the characters’ internal worlds. Bagley skillfully portrays the anxiety and small triumphs that define youth, showing how even the smallest moments missed buses, awkward silences, fleeting friendships can shape our emotional growth. Beneath its surface simplicity lies a reflection on courage, belonging, and the quiet strength found in facing what frightens us most.

[Phillip Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiding from the School Bus tells how a tragic past does not guarantee a tragic future. Calvin Bagley endured a hard childhood, but did not let that hold him back. Without getting into detail or arguments, the extreme religious upbringing that he and his siblings went through could have caused more harm than it did. It is good to see that he did not let him become bitter or forsake everything that he was taught. Though I may not agree with all of his views today, seeing that he was able to rise above his past and is now using that to help others is good.

This book can be helpful for anyone that had what is considered an oppressive childhood. The individual circumstances may vary, but the pain is usually the same, and the eventual triumph can be had for all.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not stop reading! What I loved most about this book was the author’s honesty. He share a story of a boy growing up in fear and isolation, unaware of parents’ love and affection. Finding resilience and faith to help shape the man he became.
My biggest takeaway was that our past does not have to define us. He proves that confronting pain with courage and faith CAN lead to healing, transformation, and joy.
I believe this book will especially resonate with anyone who has faced hardship, trauma, or restrictive upbringings. I appreciated its authenticity, relatability, and the reminder that it’s possible to build a brighter life no matter how difficult your childhood. He did not sugarcoat his experiences instead, he shows how perseverance can turn struggle into redemption and grace.

[Ting-I Hsieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bagley’s memoir is incredibly inspiring and engaging from the very beginning. The writing is captivating and kept me reading!
The thing that stood out to me with this book was just how candid and straightforward Bagley is with his writing. Hiding from the School Bus is full of imagery and truth, conveying his feelings and thoughts in an eloquent way. I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more about how how having a tumultuous childhood can affect an adult. Really amazing how Bagley managed to grow and heal with time, and I hope to see more books from him in the future!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve known Calvin for a long time and never knew what a traumatic childhood he experienced. He is so brave to share! It is inspiring and amazing what he was able to do with his life after all he went through. I appreciated the quality of the writing even if sometimes the flow was a bit disjointed jumping back and forth through the timeline. It was hard to read about some pretty awful things and also hard to rate something so personal, but I’m sure his story will be a blessing to many who are struggling to overcome their own challenges.

[Shilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading a sample of this book, just to get a sense for it, and found myself needing to keep going. I was completely pulled in by the writing and the story, so I bought it and read it in a day! The author, Calvin and I were friends back in my college days, but I knew very little about his past. His story is incredible! I usually stay away from books about sad childhoods/trauma, which this book has- but it was also so hopeful. I also appreciated his testimony and sharing his thoughts on his faith.

[Leila Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I found the writing style a little weird and choppy, but then it grew on me, as the author turned out to be pretty likeable and endearing. It is impressive what he managed to achieve despite his traumatic childhood. The ending was a bit disappointing because he and his wife became very worldly and seemed obsessed with money and career; however, he is to be commended for not perpetuating the abusive cycles of his childhood with his own children. It's actually remarkable that he is able to have a stable marriage and family despite what his example was growing up!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a survival story

Not only does Calvin speak of surviving a incredibly tough childhood he also overcomes religious hypocrisy that is so prevalent today. He didn't turn away from his faith but learned what was real and what was twisted in his family's home. He took his struggles and becam7e what his religion actually teaches. It's a great example of how a person can become his best self not just in spite of a hard childhood because of it.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

These type of books are not normally my forte, I find it hard to discuss religion without the usual propaganda. However, the author excelled in explaining how his religion was molded into, what was once an enabler for the beliefs and treatment received from his parents, into something that helped him find peace.

I applaud the author for being brave enough to discuss these personal moments with strangers.

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tough read for me. The author paints such a vivid picture of the experiences that he navigated that I couldn't help but feel so very sad while reading it. It was, however worth the read. It is filled with important life lessons, truth, and deep transformation. It constantly reminds readers of the importance of forging one's own way and provides a motivational blueprint for those looking to make things work, even in the worst situations. A really beautiful and honest story.

[Melinda Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible story

This was both heart wrenching and inspiring. I couldn’t put it down and found myself discussing it with anyone willing to listen. Calvin’s journey from forgotten child to thriving parent, partner and professional while still keeping a positive outlook on his faith and family is remarkable.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of Calvin overcoming childhood trauma that leaves its imprint on his whole life and hope that I can overcome like him. The beginning leaves you traumatized as he shares his childhood and wondering how he will ever make it out. But don’t worry you leave with hope that you can overcome pain like Calvin. Faith, hope l, forgiveness and love truly characterize this memoir!

[Sean Dame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

Marvouls book of survival from abuse. Hope for those struggling. Calvin shared his soul and brought comfort to many others. He is an example of being a light to those around him

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I'm amazed that this guy could stay in the church, much less serve a mission and get married in the temple. I'm sure he still has a way to go, but he is trying real hard to be a better father than his father was. Good job, Calvin!

[Lindsey Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Powerful, Engaging Memoir

This is an emotional read that is also incredibly inspiring. I really enjoyed the author’s flowing writing style that holds your attention. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys uplifting memoirs.

[annettedena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of brave and unflinching resilience. The author is both vulnerable and determined in writing this, and readers will undoubtedly be changed by Bagley's example of determination and self-worth.

[Alexis DeSelms · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an intense ride, I almost put it down in the first chapter because there is some graphic animal cruelty. Luckily that piece is short, I pushed through and the rest if the book is full of heart and determination. The author's story is inspiring and worth the read.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I learned through trial and error that the only way I could keep myself motivated to achieve my goals was to disconnect any expectations from my parents. They were unreliable as sources of pride in anything I would accomplish. Confidence needed to come from inside.”

Some of the childhood anecdotes were hard to keep straight between the many siblings and the way the author’s youth is described in memory flashes vs chronologically. The mission trip and all the self discovery in young adulthood were the most enjoyable parts of this book for me. The sun poisoning story and working as a flight attendant were so vividly described. I preferred more of the overcoming parts to the adversity parts. Overall enjoyable.

[Becky R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read. This is a story about true grit and a fantastic example of troubled beginnings don't determine your fate. Well done!