The 57 bus by Dashka Slater

Published by Wren and Rook

ISBN: 978 1 52636 123 3

£7.99

Review by James

This is a book about two teenagers called Sasha and Richard. Sasha considers themselves agender, which means they don’t want to be male or female. Richard was born in a rough background. Sasha was born as Luke and feels comfortable wearing skirts. They also have autism. I find this very inspiring for anyone agender. Richard set Sasha’s skirt on fire, but afterwards showed a lot of remorse. When Sasha was in hospital he received support from several people including strangers.

The story is set in Oakland, California, which is where most LGBT events started. Pride events have become more popular in the UK having started in the USA. I attended my local Pride event wearing a dress and people complimented me on it. I would urge anyone who considers themself agender to buy this book.

It makes me think nobody has to be male or female and people can wear what they want. A lot of gendered categories have been removed in recent years, for example best male or female Oscars, because there are more people who don’t want to be male or female. When I see bathrooms or male or female slogans I think what if people consider themself agender as Sasha always thought.

When I was at the Pride event I noticed a lot of singers and artists are supportive of the LGBT community, which I found quite encouraging. I have always found loose clothing quite comfortable, which is why I wear skirts and dresses. More people seem to be accepting of different genders in recent years and it all makes me want to prove my point.

This book is all based on a true story on Monday 4 November 2013, and since then more countries have recognised there are people who are agender. People who know that I find skirts and dresses comfortable accept that if I want to be different it is my choice. It is the same with the Black Lives Matter project. Any race or religion is recognised officially on survey forms or voting forms.