Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous

Gr 5–8—Nine very different middle schoolers on a bus route theorize why every morning Mrs. B, the bus driver, stops at an empty bus stop—no one ever gets on or off. Each narrator has his/her own theory about the mysterious bus stop. One day, clues start turning up and it's clear that they must work together to solve the mystery. Even though there are nine different perspectives, it isn't confusing or overwhelming to follow. Cheaney uses language that is simple enough to appeal to all readers. As the story progresses, kids will begin to understand each protagonist's struggles, hopes, and dreams and empathize with all of them. The community surrounding the bus route changes as the characters grow into their own. A great and fast read about finding yourself and making friends, that will be enjoyed by even reluctant readers.—H. Islam, Brooklyn Public Library