The Night Bus Hero

What do our readers think of The Night Bus Hero? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the unusual viewpoint of a bully, the mystery and the way Hector gradually becomes kinder, with Thomas often standing out as a favourite character. Some children find Hector’s behaviour hard to like at the beginning, but they appreciate seeing him change as the story goes on.

What does the Pageticker team say about The Night Bus Hero?

The Night Bus Hero is a lively mystery. Onjali Q. Raúf combines humour, friendship and a dash of London adventure with thoughtful discussions about bullying, homelessness and the possibility of changing for the better.

Genres

What is The Night Bus Hero about?

Hector, a notorious school bully, takes his pranks too far by targeting Thomas, a homeless man in the local park. When a series of high-profile thefts occur across London, Hector wrongly accuses Thomas, only to realise his mistake. Teaming up with his classmate Mei-Li, Hector embarks on a mission to uncover the real culprits. Through this journey, he learns valuable lessons about kindness, friendship, and the potential for personal change.

About the author

Onjali Q. Raúf is a bestselling British author who loves writing stories about friendship, kindness, and hope. She is best known for her popular book 'The Boy at the Back of the Class', which tells the story of a new boy at school. Onjali enjoys inspiring children to read, write, and help others.

Discussion ideas around The Night Bus Hero

A bully’s point of view: How does seeing events through Hector’s eyes change the way you understand his behaviour, and where do you still find it difficult to sympathise with him?

Judging by appearances: Why does Hector blame Thomas so quickly, and what does the story suggest about the dangers of making guesses about someone’s life?

What makes a hero?: Which actions make Hector more heroic as the story continues, and is being brave enough to solve a mystery the same as being kind?

Friendship and teamwork: How do Mei-Li and Hector’s different strengths help them, and what do they each learn from working together?

Kindness in the real world: What could schools and local communities do to treat people experiencing homelessness with more respect and understanding?