The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives (2017)

Skeet is only a minor figure in The 57 Bus, yet his death marks a major turning point for Richard. There are many parallels between Richard and Skeet. They have similar extroverted personalities and are both sent to group homes after they are arrested. Both have troubled relationships with law enforcement and are directly or indirectly affected by gang violence in Oakland.

What are the circumstances that lead to Skeet’s death? How does his death represent one possible future for Richard? Consider the figure of Skeet not only as a figure in the book but also as a possible symbol. What larger idea (or ideas) might Skeet represent?

Teaching Suggestion: It may be helpful to draw students’ attention to the way in which Richard mourns Skeet after he dies – which is to say, alone and from the distance of his own group home. Richard’s finding God and Christianity later in Part 4 is preceded by him embracing a nihilistic worldview, no longer believing there is an “out” possible for him or his friends in the wake of Skeet’s death. Skeet represents hopelessness in general, but also a hopelessness specific to socioeconomically disadvantaged Black youth. It may be useful to review some key features of symbolism, including