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The Night Bus Hero
From Onjali Q. Rauf, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes another incredible story, told with humour and heart.
Told from the perspective of a bully, this book explores themes of homelessness, while celebrating kindness, friendship and the potential everyone has to change for the good.
Inspired by Onjali's own childhood experiences of growing up in London and seeing the impact of homelessness on those around her, The Night Bus Hero follows an unlikely friendship between our narrator and Thomas - who lives in the park.
Can they get to the bottom of some unusual thefts taking place across the city, and discover what it takes to be a real hero?
(P) 2020 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
Told from the perspective of a bully, this book explores themes of homelessness, while celebrating kindness, friendship and the potential everyone has to change for the good.
Inspired by Onjali's own childhood experiences of growing up in London and seeing the impact of homelessness on those around her, The Night Bus Hero follows an unlikely friendship between our narrator and Thomas - who lives in the park.
Can they get to the bottom of some unusual thefts taking place across the city, and discover what it takes to be a real hero?
(P) 2020 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2020
148 people are currently reading
1518 people want to read
About the author
Onjali Q. Raúf
27 books286 followersOnjali Q. Rauf is the founder of Making Herstory, an organisation mobilising men, women and children from all walks of life to tackle the abuse and trafficking of women and girls in the UK and beyond. In her spare time she delivers emergency aid convoys for refugee families surviving in Calais and Dunkirk, and supports interfaith projects.
Her first novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, has sold over 100,000 copies and won multiple awards. Her second book, The Star Outside My Window, publishes in October 2019.
Her first novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, has sold over 100,000 copies and won multiple awards. Her second book, The Star Outside My Window, publishes in October 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
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 troubled young boy - labelled as a bully and a menace, he is stuck in an endless cycle of rule breaking and serving detentions under teachers who tell him how troublesome he is. Hector’s parents have little time to pay him attention after school in fact the only attention that really feeds him is the incitement of his two friends, who cheer him on as he makes school life miserable for others.
Looking for a new way to impress his friends, Hector sets his sights on a homeless man who is often found sitting on a bench in the nearby park. Spotting an easy win, Hector highjacks the man’s trolley of possessions and aims to hide it in the trees. Something goes awry, and when the trolley ends up at the bottom of a lake the repercussions of his actions hit Hector in surprising ways that threaten to bring him into greater trouble than ever. Annoyed, Hector waits until opportunity arises and ramps up his plan to get revenge on the homeless man.
In the mean time, an intriguing spate of robberies in central London have brought the homeless community into public scrutiny. As a number of threads weave together, Hector finds himself wrapped up in a crime-busting mystery as well unwittingly embarking upon a journey of personal change that enables him to better see the world through the eyes of others. Each character he meets helps him to see the value in real human connection beyond labels. There’s Thomas, the homeless man with a heartbreaking background story; the Catwoman, who demonstrated to Hector the value of community connection and collaboration; and Mei-Li, Hector’s classmate who shows him what it means to treat others with a grace and respect that breaks barriers and brings about the treasure of moving beyond surface appearances. Before he knows it, Hector finds himself the hero of his own story for the first time ever - both for the exciting and dangerous part he plays in busting a high profile criminal pursuit but also for his own personal journey of compassion and learning to reach out to others.
Onjali Rauf’s beautifully relatable storytelling is perfect for highlighting social issues in a way that fully engages young readers. The community of homeless people is portrayed vividly and intriguingly - from the sounds and smells of the soup kitchen to the night bus route to the system of painted symbols, their world is painted with dignity and compassion. As with her previous novels, Onjali Rauf addresses important ‘real-world’ topics with open-heartedness and the sense of triumph in knowing that big changes can start with small people.
Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. This features on our Autumn 2020 Ones to Watch list.
Hector is a troubled young boy - labelled as a bully and a menace, he is stuck in an endless cycle of rule breaking and serving detentions under teachers who tell him how troublesome he is. Hector’s parents have little time to pay him attention after school in fact the only attention that really feeds him is the incitement of his two friends, who cheer him on as he makes school life miserable for others.
Looking for a new way to impress his friends, Hector sets his sights on a homeless man who is often found sitting on a bench in the nearby park. Spotting an easy win, Hector highjacks the man’s trolley of possessions and aims to hide it in the trees. Something goes awry, and when the trolley ends up at the bottom of a lake the repercussions of his actions hit Hector in surprising ways that threaten to bring him into greater trouble than ever. Annoyed, Hector waits until opportunity arises and ramps up his plan to get revenge on the homeless man.
In the mean time, an intriguing spate of robberies in central London have brought the homeless community into public scrutiny. As a number of threads weave together, Hector finds himself wrapped up in a crime-busting mystery as well unwittingly embarking upon a journey of personal change that enables him to better see the world through the eyes of others. Each character he meets helps him to see the value in real human connection beyond labels. There’s Thomas, the homeless man with a heartbreaking background story; the Catwoman, who demonstrated to Hector the value of community connection and collaboration; and Mei-Li, Hector’s classmate who shows him what it means to treat others with a grace and respect that breaks barriers and brings about the treasure of moving beyond surface appearances. Before he knows it, Hector finds himself the hero of his own story for the first time ever - both for the exciting and dangerous part he plays in busting a high profile criminal pursuit but also for his own personal journey of compassion and learning to reach out to others.
Onjali Rauf’s beautifully relatable storytelling is perfect for highlighting social issues in a way that fully engages young readers. The community of homeless people is portrayed vividly and intriguingly - from the sounds and smells of the soup kitchen to the night bus route to the system of painted symbols, their world is painted with dignity and compassion. As with her previous novels, Onjali Rauf addresses important ‘real-world’ topics with open-heartedness and the sense of triumph in knowing that big changes can start with small people.
Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. This features on our Autumn 2020 Ones to Watch list.
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), judging the homeless (but also entrusting your kids to their company blindly... that's unrealistic)... I know I shouldn't judge a middle grade book like this but this is the kind of book I have issues for the same.
I would have liked the book better if it wasn't realistic contemporary fiction but it's supposed to be one so I just have to be realistic when it comes to my opinion on the book.
I love the writing. However, I find the characters problematic (I cannot leave out a single character who is not one). I find the plot too familiar. Sounds like a children's mystery story retold and the bad characters aren't convincing at all.
Sadly, not the book I would recommend.
I would have liked the book better if it wasn't realistic contemporary fiction but it's supposed to be one so I just have to be realistic when it comes to my opinion on the book.
I love the writing. However, I find the characters problematic (I cannot leave out a single character who is not one). I find the plot too familiar. Sounds like a children's mystery story retold and the bad characters aren't convincing at all.
Sadly, not the book I would recommend.
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 others, stereotypes and just general kindness if shared with a class.
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.
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 called Thomas who spends his days sleeping on a park bench by Hector's school. When Hector pushes Thomas' trolley into the river he slowly goes from a feeling of triumph to a feeling of compassion.
The book challenges stereotypes about both homeless people and bullies, questioning the definition of a hero and whether people really can change?
I loved Hector's character development and although his behaviour was unacceptable, it was clearly a cry for help due to neglect from his busy parents and a need to be liked, no matter whether that is bad or good attention. As a trainee teacher, this resonated with me because all types of behaviour is a form of communication and we must look beyond our assumptions that a child is just a 'bad kid'.
Hearing from the bully's perspective is something I would like to see in more children's books.
I also have a wider knowledge of the homeless after reading this, and I don't think I could ever walk past a person on the street in the same way again. I am grateful for this insight into the challenges and terrors that these people face in their daily lives and have even more respect for them than I did before.
I will absolutely use this with a KS2 class in the future and look forward to doing so!
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 called Thomas who spends his days sleeping on a park bench by Hector's school. When Hector pushes Thomas' trolley into the river he slowly goes from a feeling of triumph to a feeling of compassion.
The book challenges stereotypes about both homeless people and bullies, questioning the definition of a hero and whether people really can change?
I loved Hector's character development and although his behaviour was unacceptable, it was clearly a cry for help due to neglect from his busy parents and a need to be liked, no matter whether that is bad or good attention. As a trainee teacher, this resonated with me because all types of behaviour is a form of communication and we must look beyond our assumptions that a child is just a 'bad kid'.
Hearing from the bully's perspective is something I would like to see in more children's books.
I also have a wider knowledge of the homeless after reading this, and I don't think I could ever walk past a person on the street in the same way again. I am grateful for this insight into the challenges and terrors that these people face in their daily lives and have even more respect for them than I did before.
I will absolutely use this with a KS2 class in the future and look forward to doing so!
December 13, 2021
This one just didn't grip me as much as the other books by this author.
February 24, 2021
Wow! I don’t even know where to start about this book. Onjali Rauf again with another fantastic book. It touches on so many incredible themes. I love how Hector is seen as just a naughty child, but Onjali dives deeper and explains that there is so much more to his behaviour than meets the eye. His home life is not ideal, and he turns to acting out and bullying others as a way of dealing with this and getting the attention he so desperately craves.
A quote from it really stuck in my head, on page 276 Catwomen says “Maybe no matter how rich some people get, it's never enough for them. They always want more. And sometimes they become so powerful that hurting other people starts not to matter anymore.”
I think this so thought provoking and some incredibly interesting conversations could be had around this!
I do think a massive theme of this book is to not judge a book by its cover. There is more to Hector than meets the eye, and the same with Mei-Lei, and the homeless characters of Thomas and Catwomen.
I could keep writing about this book, but I will finish by saying if you haven’t read it then get a copy, you won’t regret it.
A quote from it really stuck in my head, on page 276 Catwomen says “Maybe no matter how rich some people get, it's never enough for them. They always want more. And sometimes they become so powerful that hurting other people starts not to matter anymore.”
I think this so thought provoking and some incredibly interesting conversations could be had around this!
I do think a massive theme of this book is to not judge a book by its cover. There is more to Hector than meets the eye, and the same with Mei-Lei, and the homeless characters of Thomas and Catwomen.
I could keep writing about this book, but I will finish by saying if you haven’t read it then get a copy, you won’t regret it.
February 25, 2021
This boy isn’t a likeable rogue or the class clown, he’s an annoying bully who thrives on the admiration of his bullying friends. I thought when I was reading this that I was never going to actually like this boy or enjoy the story. I eventually realised it would provide great talking points for a class read aloud - why does this boy do the things he does? How does someone like this end up? Is he ever going to become a nice person? It ends a bit quickly and his character transformation is a bit sudden and convenient but I enjoyed it and will be recommending to fans of Stewart Foster, Wonder, Lisa Thompson etc. Age 7+
May 17, 2021
It felt so incredibly forced. The whole thing about Hector being a bad person and a bully was unbelievable. The ending was very good and I loved the character development, but the start and middle were too much like "I stole candies from other kids like I always did" "as usual I went to bully some kids", more telling than showing.
July 7, 2024
V niečom bola táto kniha veľmi dobrá, má trochu z detektívky, trochu zo sociálnej citlivosti. Ukázala správanie šikanujúceho dieťaťa aj postupnú zmenu, ale práve tu vidím nedostatky práve v tom, že podhubie jeho správania nie je úplne dobre uchopené a aj výsledok je trochu rozpačitý, či naozaj stačí trochu uvedomenia rodičov a všetko bude zrazu ok.
September 19, 2020
Another remarkably-written story of hers shining a light on serious issues so sensitively & leaves a lasting impression on readers of the real world. Friendship, family & homelessness are all explored with such humanity; my heart aches.
July 26, 2024
სიყვარული ლონდონს, მაგრამ ყველა გვერდზე რაღაც უნდა მოხდეს რა :დ
December 17, 2020
Another issue book with heart from Rauf.
Her first took in the serious topic of refugees but mixed it with friendship, school and the Queen. Now the author gives young readers a little journey into the world of homelessness and adds to that a bully and a series of high-profile London thefts. She's not afraid of a challenge, and yet again makes a warming and insightful plot out of disparate elements that work together nicely.
Our narrator this time is the school bully. And while he's telling the story so we do feel a connection with him, he's - well - a bully. And pretty horrible to other children at school.
Hector has parents that travel the world on charity work missions, a younger brother (Hercules) and older sister (Helen - you might see the theme there), and a couple of 'friends' at school who goad him on as he steals money and sweets and generally makes life in his school a bit of a hell for a lot of other children. Showing off one day at the park, he ends up sending a homeless man's trolley into the lake, observed by Mei-Li, a girl in his class. Unrepentant, he does however later see this homeless man appear to be the culprit behind a series of bizarre but fiendishly clever robberies in the city of London.
Scenting a way of getting both rewards and recognition, he determines he needs to find out more about this homeless man, Thomas, from Mei-Li, who volunteers at the local soup kitchen.
This isn't exactly a 'story of redemption' but it does take in several angles and does so successfully, threading Hector's growing understanding of homelessness with a confusing friendship with someone he's bullied, and even a mystery/crime plot as they attempt to prove who is committing the thefts.
This would make a great class read for upper primary classes. My nearly 10-year-old and I just finished Rauf's debut and I'll be starting this one with him soon. It raises issues I'd like to have a context for so that we can then use for discussions, and Hector is engaging and a character you really want to see change a little. His family life plays a role in his actions and readers will notice that.
Readers of around 8 and above will find this a very smooth and intriguing story with some appealing characters.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance reading copy.
Her first took in the serious topic of refugees but mixed it with friendship, school and the Queen. Now the author gives young readers a little journey into the world of homelessness and adds to that a bully and a series of high-profile London thefts. She's not afraid of a challenge, and yet again makes a warming and insightful plot out of disparate elements that work together nicely.
Our narrator this time is the school bully. And while he's telling the story so we do feel a connection with him, he's - well - a bully. And pretty horrible to other children at school.
Hector has parents that travel the world on charity work missions, a younger brother (Hercules) and older sister (Helen - you might see the theme there), and a couple of 'friends' at school who goad him on as he steals money and sweets and generally makes life in his school a bit of a hell for a lot of other children. Showing off one day at the park, he ends up sending a homeless man's trolley into the lake, observed by Mei-Li, a girl in his class. Unrepentant, he does however later see this homeless man appear to be the culprit behind a series of bizarre but fiendishly clever robberies in the city of London.
Scenting a way of getting both rewards and recognition, he determines he needs to find out more about this homeless man, Thomas, from Mei-Li, who volunteers at the local soup kitchen.
This isn't exactly a 'story of redemption' but it does take in several angles and does so successfully, threading Hector's growing understanding of homelessness with a confusing friendship with someone he's bullied, and even a mystery/crime plot as they attempt to prove who is committing the thefts.
This would make a great class read for upper primary classes. My nearly 10-year-old and I just finished Rauf's debut and I'll be starting this one with him soon. It raises issues I'd like to have a context for so that we can then use for discussions, and Hector is engaging and a character you really want to see change a little. His family life plays a role in his actions and readers will notice that.
Readers of around 8 and above will find this a very smooth and intriguing story with some appealing characters.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance reading copy.
June 3, 2023
I had heard many good things about this author, so I finally picked up one of her books, and it did not disappoint!!!
This is an adventure/mystery book for kids to pick up, but at the same time it also gives children a way to know the unhoused community, to see where they're coming from and the way they built a community and how essential it is!! And to also reshape and deconstruct many myths surrounding them that the audience may have...
On the other side, you have a story centering a bully, putting Hector at its center is also a reminder of the cycle of abandonment, how his bad behavior is just reinforced always by the worst being what is expected of him, and how hard it is to break that pattern.
Really good book, that I would recommend to any kids!!! You can find the original edition here at The Night Bus Hero :)
This is an adventure/mystery book for kids to pick up, but at the same time it also gives children a way to know the unhoused community, to see where they're coming from and the way they built a community and how essential it is!! And to also reshape and deconstruct many myths surrounding them that the audience may have...
On the other side, you have a story centering a bully, putting Hector at its center is also a reminder of the cycle of abandonment, how his bad behavior is just reinforced always by the worst being what is expected of him, and how hard it is to break that pattern.
Really good book, that I would recommend to any kids!!! You can find the original edition here at The Night Bus Hero :)
August 26, 2024
It was just really boring and I took long breaks from the book because of this. I literally dreaded picking it up.
December 28, 2023
3.75*
Nesympatický, arogantne pôsobiaci chalanisko či skôr na prerod čakajúci antihrdina, boriaci sa s typickými "problémami" 10-ročných i s charakterotvornou absenciou či nezáujmom zo strany rodičov, napriek odmietaniu sa čoraz väčšmi zoznamujúci s preňho známym, no predsa vzdialeným fenoménom bezdomovectva? Nuž, a prečo vlastne nie?!
Na jednej strane šikana, agresívne správanie či ľahostajnosťou blízkych motivovaná snaha zaujať, na strane druhej zas život na ulici a strata domova, súdržnosť i aké-také pretĺkanie sa. Vylomeniny, lotroviny, zavádzanie, krádeže a klamstvá, nenáležité osočovanie či snaha ublížiť a s ňou spojené nepravdepodobné nočné dobrodružstvo. Mladosť a staroba, bohatstvo a chudoba, tuláctvo i domov postrádajúci tak veľmi potrebné teplo.
„Preto sa stal Thomas… Veď vieš čím.“ „Myslíš človekom bez domova?“ spýtala sa Mei-Li už bez kriku, ale jej hlas znel ešte zlostnejšie. „To slovo ťa nezašpiní!“ Chcel som odseknúť, že to slovo nie, ale Thomas určite áno, no vedel som, že by mi už nič nepovedala. „Tak… prečo zostal na ulici?“ spýtal som sa. „Pretože niekedy ľudia neunesú svoj smútok, napríklad keď im zomrie niekto milovaný. Jednoducho sú príliš smutní.“
Hector s tým jeho protivným postojom a neustálym zapáranim, Mei-Li a jej tak trochu moralizátorská i keď dobre mienená potreba pomáhať, a v parkoch prespávajúci Thomas, rezignovane sa vyrovnávajúci s ťaživým bremenom.
Negatívne pôsobiaci jedinci stojaci kdesi na čele detských príbehov síce nie sú zrovna typickí, britská autorka Onjali Q. Raúf do popredia svojho dobrodružno-detektívneho románu s edukačným podtónom predsa len zvolila ich. Grázlikov a lotrov, ľudí nepochopených a opustených, nič netušiacky túžiacich po druhých šancách, milujúcich objatiach či štipke rešpektu.
Hrdina z nočného autobusu atypickým spôsobom prepája to ťaživé s vtipným či špinavé s čistým a svojsky nenásilným spôsobom tak ponúka náhľad do temnejších zákutí každodenného sveta i nie vždy fungujúce pozadie na prvý pohľad spokojných a šťastných rodín. Búra predsudky, pozýva k otvorenosti, (a napriek určitým logickým nepresnostiam v príbehu) učí priateľstvu a láske.
Nesympatický, arogantne pôsobiaci chalanisko či skôr na prerod čakajúci antihrdina, boriaci sa s typickými "problémami" 10-ročných i s charakterotvornou absenciou či nezáujmom zo strany rodičov, napriek odmietaniu sa čoraz väčšmi zoznamujúci s preňho známym, no predsa vzdialeným fenoménom bezdomovectva? Nuž, a prečo vlastne nie?!
Na jednej strane šikana, agresívne správanie či ľahostajnosťou blízkych motivovaná snaha zaujať, na strane druhej zas život na ulici a strata domova, súdržnosť i aké-také pretĺkanie sa. Vylomeniny, lotroviny, zavádzanie, krádeže a klamstvá, nenáležité osočovanie či snaha ublížiť a s ňou spojené nepravdepodobné nočné dobrodružstvo. Mladosť a staroba, bohatstvo a chudoba, tuláctvo i domov postrádajúci tak veľmi potrebné teplo.
„Preto sa stal Thomas… Veď vieš čím.“ „Myslíš človekom bez domova?“ spýtala sa Mei-Li už bez kriku, ale jej hlas znel ešte zlostnejšie. „To slovo ťa nezašpiní!“ Chcel som odseknúť, že to slovo nie, ale Thomas určite áno, no vedel som, že by mi už nič nepovedala. „Tak… prečo zostal na ulici?“ spýtal som sa. „Pretože niekedy ľudia neunesú svoj smútok, napríklad keď im zomrie niekto milovaný. Jednoducho sú príliš smutní.“
Hector s tým jeho protivným postojom a neustálym zapáranim, Mei-Li a jej tak trochu moralizátorská i keď dobre mienená potreba pomáhať, a v parkoch prespávajúci Thomas, rezignovane sa vyrovnávajúci s ťaživým bremenom.
Negatívne pôsobiaci jedinci stojaci kdesi na čele detských príbehov síce nie sú zrovna typickí, britská autorka Onjali Q. Raúf do popredia svojho dobrodružno-detektívneho románu s edukačným podtónom predsa len zvolila ich. Grázlikov a lotrov, ľudí nepochopených a opustených, nič netušiacky túžiacich po druhých šancách, milujúcich objatiach či štipke rešpektu.
Hrdina z nočného autobusu atypickým spôsobom prepája to ťaživé s vtipným či špinavé s čistým a svojsky nenásilným spôsobom tak ponúka náhľad do temnejších zákutí každodenného sveta i nie vždy fungujúce pozadie na prvý pohľad spokojných a šťastných rodín. Búra predsudky, pozýva k otvorenosti, (a napriek určitým logickým nepresnostiam v príbehu) učí priateľstvu a láske.
June 27, 2021
4.5 stars
The character arc is absolutely brilliant, indeed is the heart of the story. From an uncaring, cruel bully, to an empathetic, considerate hero.
With an engaging mystery, we journey through the world of homelessness and friendship, questioning how we treat others, prejudice, stereotypes and what kindness is.
This story would make an outstanding read-aloud for Years 6 & 7.
The character arc is absolutely brilliant, indeed is the heart of the story. From an uncaring, cruel bully, to an empathetic, considerate hero.
With an engaging mystery, we journey through the world of homelessness and friendship, questioning how we treat others, prejudice, stereotypes and what kindness is.
This story would make an outstanding read-aloud for Years 6 & 7.
January 30, 2021
A well written story that deals with difficult topics (homelessness)
October 12, 2020
Absolutely brilliant, a warm and fascinating insight into the mind of a bully. I love the way that you can share the emotional progress and development along with Hector as he finds his way through in the world
Hopefully this will raise awareness for homelessness and the fact that money can corrupt. Plenty of material for discussion, and ultimately an important read for young people.
Hopefully this will raise awareness for homelessness and the fact that money can corrupt. Plenty of material for discussion, and ultimately an important read for young people.
June 20, 2023
3,5* Mais uma vez Onjali dá-nos uma lição de humanidade e de saber ser, num livro que supostamente é para jovens leitores mas que devia ser lido por toda a gente
February 14, 2021
Hector is a bully, but like all bullies he's also a coward. After a mishap with a homeless man's possessions, which wasn't entirely what Hector had planned, he finds himself unwillingly involved with the homeless community. Can Hector help them, and in turn, show that there is more to him than people think? Onjali Q. Raúf's books deal with themes such as bereavement, loss and bullying. The latter is the main topic of this book, which examines the subject from the perspective of the bully and shows that things are not always as black and white as they might appear. The story is partly based on the author's own experiences of homelessness as a child, inspired by her seeing the people sleeping rough on the streets in her neighbourhood. I send a few books to a school in London on a monthly basis, and Raúf's books are perfect for this, because of their themes and the diversity of the characters. I'm sure the children there will enjoy it as much as I did.
January 30, 2023
Onjali has set herself to a difficult task here: the narrator has busy & absent parents, is a bully at school and at some point, to impress his (bad-company) friends, targets a local homeless for his cruelty. However, she writes in a very engaging way and that partially offsets the heavy theme.
May 3, 2024
I liked this book though I feel like it could of moved quicker in the beginning. Also there were a lot of things left out like who were the other thieves? And it doesn’t really mention Katie and Will again, like, are they good now? Did Hector cut ties with them? I GOTTA KNOW! I did like the plot and the ending, good job! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
It was okay. The plot is kind of basic and not that thrilling.
June 27, 2022
Hector, 10-years-old and a middle child, has always been a bully and a prankster. And subsequently spending a lot of time in the principal's office. From the beginning, it's clear that Hector thinks very little of most people, and often does what he does just to annoy them. For example, as the book opens, Hector is about to drop a second rubber snake into the school's lunch soup, and even as the principal warns him not to, Hector defiantly does it anyway, knowing he will be in trouble. He always to derive satisfaction knowing he's ruin something for someone with his pranks. But, for him, it's ok, after all, his friends Will and Katie always think his antics are funny.
On their way home, Will and Katie tease Hector about being slow and getting caught. Angered by the teasing, Hector decides to show them how wrong they are. Seeing a homeless man asleep on a bench next to his trolley full of what appears to be trash, Hector decides to steal the hat the old man always wears. But when he wakes up and catches at them, they run off with the hat.
Angry at the world, Hector decides to run off with the homeless man's trolley after school the next day. But the trolley quickly gains momentum and when Hector loses control, the trolley lands in the lake and sinks. Unfortunately, Mei-Li, the smartest girl in Hector's class, witnesses the whole thing, as does a woman walking her dog. Even though his friends think the cruel stunt is great, Hector can't celebrate - his plan went wrong, and that had never happened before.
Meanwhile, at home, Hector learns his father is working on a new film about homeless people. And also that someone has been stealing statues and framing the homeless by leaving special marks that only they would understand.
Skateboarding around Piccadilly Circus with a friend on afternoon, Hector decides to stay longer by himself, when his sees the homeless man, whose trolley he'd sunk and whose name he has learned is Thomas, suddenly appear and break into a run. Naturally, when another statue goes missing, Hector is convinced it's Thomas doing it, and decides to find him and turn him over to the police. And to do that, he needs to enlist the help of Mei-Li, but will she help someone who she clearly does not like? And together can Mei-Li and Thomas help Hector overcome his need to be bad?
There's a lot going on in this novel as Raúf tackles themes of bullying, homelessness, behavior, family dynamics, and a mystery. But Raúf is such a adept writer that none of these themes overwhelms the others, and never blurr Hector's selfish, cruel behavior. In fact, they all contribute to his redemption in such a believable way that it all happens almost unconsciously, for the reader and for Hector. And all the while, events inform reader and Hector of what it is like to live rough, to live where you aren't wanted, to feel the consequences of another person's cruel prank.
Hector is a most unlikable protagonist, but then readers see his family's dynamics and the things he does are almost understandable in his need to get some attention his way. And while you may feel some empathy, it only lasts momentarily, as he commences his bad acts again. But, Hector is a boy who is and does deserve redemption. A clever artist who needs his talents redirected.
I find that I am becoming quite a fan of Raúf. Her writing is refreshingly breezy and pulls the reader in immediately and compels them to stay to the end, to see what will become of her protagonists. Back matter consists of information about bullying and where to find information and resources about dealing with issues of bullying, and well as information about homelessness and where to find information. She has also included The Homeless Code, which may be different in Britain that in the US, symbols used by thieves, and an Author's Note.
On their way home, Will and Katie tease Hector about being slow and getting caught. Angered by the teasing, Hector decides to show them how wrong they are. Seeing a homeless man asleep on a bench next to his trolley full of what appears to be trash, Hector decides to steal the hat the old man always wears. But when he wakes up and catches at them, they run off with the hat.
Angry at the world, Hector decides to run off with the homeless man's trolley after school the next day. But the trolley quickly gains momentum and when Hector loses control, the trolley lands in the lake and sinks. Unfortunately, Mei-Li, the smartest girl in Hector's class, witnesses the whole thing, as does a woman walking her dog. Even though his friends think the cruel stunt is great, Hector can't celebrate - his plan went wrong, and that had never happened before.
Meanwhile, at home, Hector learns his father is working on a new film about homeless people. And also that someone has been stealing statues and framing the homeless by leaving special marks that only they would understand.
Skateboarding around Piccadilly Circus with a friend on afternoon, Hector decides to stay longer by himself, when his sees the homeless man, whose trolley he'd sunk and whose name he has learned is Thomas, suddenly appear and break into a run. Naturally, when another statue goes missing, Hector is convinced it's Thomas doing it, and decides to find him and turn him over to the police. And to do that, he needs to enlist the help of Mei-Li, but will she help someone who she clearly does not like? And together can Mei-Li and Thomas help Hector overcome his need to be bad?
There's a lot going on in this novel as Raúf tackles themes of bullying, homelessness, behavior, family dynamics, and a mystery. But Raúf is such a adept writer that none of these themes overwhelms the others, and never blurr Hector's selfish, cruel behavior. In fact, they all contribute to his redemption in such a believable way that it all happens almost unconsciously, for the reader and for Hector. And all the while, events inform reader and Hector of what it is like to live rough, to live where you aren't wanted, to feel the consequences of another person's cruel prank.
Hector is a most unlikable protagonist, but then readers see his family's dynamics and the things he does are almost understandable in his need to get some attention his way. And while you may feel some empathy, it only lasts momentarily, as he commences his bad acts again. But, Hector is a boy who is and does deserve redemption. A clever artist who needs his talents redirected.
I find that I am becoming quite a fan of Raúf. Her writing is refreshingly breezy and pulls the reader in immediately and compels them to stay to the end, to see what will become of her protagonists. Back matter consists of information about bullying and where to find information and resources about dealing with issues of bullying, and well as information about homelessness and where to find information. She has also included The Homeless Code, which may be different in Britain that in the US, symbols used by thieves, and an Author's Note.
June 18, 2024
I read this book for tutoring and my student was really jazzed on it. I thought it was just ok, two stars isn’t because I hated it but more a reflection of me moving everything down one star this year.
The Night Bus Hero is admirable in its aims. I think it’s important and timely for kids to be learning about the situation of unhoused people around the world. Moreover, the world of those people in this story is well developed, Thomas and Catwoman are probably my two favorite characters and I find the soup kitchen to be an interesting setting.
Things I didn’t like
1- the ending fails the mystery genre. There is no craft in an ending that comes out of nowhere, introduces characters we’ve never seen, and ascribes a motivation to our antagonists after they have already been defeated. This is especially true for the mystery genre. As the ending was unfolding all I was thinking was, “this is fine yeah but why wasn’t this established earlier?”
2- the protagonist as a bully is all fine and good but he’s like cartoonishly evil and it’s hard to buy his transformation into public hero. Also he doesn’t really have any skills or anything he brings to the table. It would’ve been much more interesting if he worked at the soup kitchen in the beginning of the book for example. He doesn’t really care about anything until the end so it is hard to care about him.
3- the pacing. It started off very slow, things that were happening 3/4s into the book were happening near the end. Events that needed exposition and explanation got none.
Overall I would say you could read this if you want a YA book on homelessness but beyond that it wasn’t my fave.
-Luke
The Night Bus Hero is admirable in its aims. I think it’s important and timely for kids to be learning about the situation of unhoused people around the world. Moreover, the world of those people in this story is well developed, Thomas and Catwoman are probably my two favorite characters and I find the soup kitchen to be an interesting setting.
Things I didn’t like
1- the ending fails the mystery genre. There is no craft in an ending that comes out of nowhere, introduces characters we’ve never seen, and ascribes a motivation to our antagonists after they have already been defeated. This is especially true for the mystery genre. As the ending was unfolding all I was thinking was, “this is fine yeah but why wasn’t this established earlier?”
2- the protagonist as a bully is all fine and good but he’s like cartoonishly evil and it’s hard to buy his transformation into public hero. Also he doesn’t really have any skills or anything he brings to the table. It would’ve been much more interesting if he worked at the soup kitchen in the beginning of the book for example. He doesn’t really care about anything until the end so it is hard to care about him.
3- the pacing. It started off very slow, things that were happening 3/4s into the book were happening near the end. Events that needed exposition and explanation got none.
Overall I would say you could read this if you want a YA book on homelessness but beyond that it wasn’t my fave.
-Luke
March 19, 2021
Wow. This is the second of Onjali Q. Rauf's books that i have read, with the first being 'The boy at the back of the class', and have found myself once again amazed by how good her writing really is.
This book touches on many themes, with the main two being bullying and homelessness. Onjali manages to write about these in a serious way, whilst still bringing in a humorous side. I loved going on the journey with Hector and seeing him learn about homeless people and how they aren't bad like he thinks they are at the beginning - the friendship that blossoms between Thomas and Hector is truly beautiful. I also liked seeing how Hector changed throughout the story, learning about homelessness really changed his behavior and way that he views the world, by the end of the book he has settled down and is no longer a bully like his former friends Will and Katie (they may have been the influence on Hector's bullying in the first place).
Onjali dedicated a few pages at the back of the book to homelessness, the signs homeless people use and what they mean, and some charities and people that Onjali loves and wants to make the reader aware of due to their contributions to homelessness (there are also a couple of pages on bullying and what bullying is).
I think children would really enjoy this book and as a teacher i would use this in KS2. I can't wait to read more of Onjali's work, will definitely make sure i get my hands on 'the star outside my window' very soon. 100% recommend reading.
This book touches on many themes, with the main two being bullying and homelessness. Onjali manages to write about these in a serious way, whilst still bringing in a humorous side. I loved going on the journey with Hector and seeing him learn about homeless people and how they aren't bad like he thinks they are at the beginning - the friendship that blossoms between Thomas and Hector is truly beautiful. I also liked seeing how Hector changed throughout the story, learning about homelessness really changed his behavior and way that he views the world, by the end of the book he has settled down and is no longer a bully like his former friends Will and Katie (they may have been the influence on Hector's bullying in the first place).
Onjali dedicated a few pages at the back of the book to homelessness, the signs homeless people use and what they mean, and some charities and people that Onjali loves and wants to make the reader aware of due to their contributions to homelessness (there are also a couple of pages on bullying and what bullying is).
I think children would really enjoy this book and as a teacher i would use this in KS2. I can't wait to read more of Onjali's work, will definitely make sure i get my hands on 'the star outside my window' very soon. 100% recommend reading.
January 9, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much - the tranformation of the main character, Hector, from nasty bully to hero was relatively simplistic, but effective and powerful.
Hector is very nasty piece of work at the start of the book. He is an archetypal bully with two henchman and a serious attitude problem. But because Hector is telling the story we soon realise that he is dealing with troubles of his own, and as we know, most bullies are troubled humans.
When Hector picks on a local homeless man by stealing his treasured trolley and pushing it into the lake, he starts to learn that we can't judge someone by how they look from the outside.
Thereby begins a bit of a roller coaster adventure to discover just who else is targetting the homeless community after valued London icons start mysteriously disappearing. There is a bit of a Scooby Doo feel to this part of the story, but it does help to lighten the mood a little, without taking away from the main messages of the story... i.e. don't judge books by their covers and take the time to get to know people.
Overall a really good read.
Hector is very nasty piece of work at the start of the book. He is an archetypal bully with two henchman and a serious attitude problem. But because Hector is telling the story we soon realise that he is dealing with troubles of his own, and as we know, most bullies are troubled humans.
When Hector picks on a local homeless man by stealing his treasured trolley and pushing it into the lake, he starts to learn that we can't judge someone by how they look from the outside.
Thereby begins a bit of a roller coaster adventure to discover just who else is targetting the homeless community after valued London icons start mysteriously disappearing. There is a bit of a Scooby Doo feel to this part of the story, but it does help to lighten the mood a little, without taking away from the main messages of the story... i.e. don't judge books by their covers and take the time to get to know people.
Overall a really good read.
August 26, 2022
Another great novel from Onjali Q Raúf. My kids and I listened to the audiobook on our holiday road trip and loved the idea of the narrative perspective coming from the antihero- the school bully. Despite his bravado and continual misbehaviour it was clear that he just wanted friends and family and love. The main theme is homelessness and misjudging others. This novel sees the protagonist blame a homeless man Thomas for stealing public statues around London, and Thomas soon becomes the most wanted homeless man in London. It soon becomes clear that Thomas has been wronged accused due to his appearance and the pair form and unlikely friendship that leads to them pursuing the actual culprit. This is a powerful story and an enjoyable listen.
March 1, 2021
I LOVED this mystery book! It's about this boy, Hector, who is a bully, but meets the homeless, and he helps one of them (Thomas) to solve a case, actually it's not really a case, it's many cases, a few people were stealing famous statue's from famous places! I thought this book was going to be PRETTY interesting, but as I read the chapters I noticed that it wasn't PRETTY interesting but first - rate! If I were you and I saw this review, I would start reading the book in one second!
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