The Night Bus Hero

When 10-year-old bully Hector witnesses the theft of an artifact by London thieves who have been implicating unhoused people in their crimes, he publicly accuses Thomas—an unhoused man whose belongings Hector once pushed into a lake—of perpetrating the crime. When he realizes he’s made a mistake, Hector connects with classmate and teacher’s pet Mei-Li as well as Thomas’s best friend, and learns to cooperate with others to break a code and discover the culprit. Though Hector’s actions are at first entirely self-serving, his transition into a kinder and more aware person is welcome, with Raúf (The Star Outside My Window) providing credible opportunities for the protagonist’s growth, including time spent volunteering in a soup kitchen and conversations with members of the unhoused community he serves. A focus on Hector’s increasing understanding of the consequences of his actions—and readers’ growing enlightenment of the experiences that contribute to his frequently cruel behavior—showcase the importance of compassion and forgiveness. Character ethnicity and race are unspecified throughout. Back matter includes a discussion of bullying and housing insecurity, and an author’s note. Ages 10–up. Agent: Silvia Molteni, PFD (U.K.). (Feb.)