The Night Bus Hero

In The Night Bus Hero, we meet Hector who has been getting into trouble for as long as he can remember. He doesn't mind being in detention often, because that's when he comes up with his best ideas. Along with his two friends, Will and Katie, Hector is feared by all the pupils at his primary school and the teachers think of him first when there is any kind of incident. His parents are often working away from home, but they express their disappointment in his behaviour when they are around.

So it is not surprising that no-one believes Hector even when he is telling the truth. Deciding to play a prank that everyone will notice, Hector targets a homeless man living in the park, running away with his shopping trolley. However, things don't go to plan, and Hector is in worse trouble than ever, branded a bully. But he also finds himself at the centre of a mystery - one he becomes determined to solve. Assisted by classmate Mei-Li, and the community of homeless people who are being targeted, Hector works to track down a thief, learning compassion and finding a new sense of responsibility; becoming the hero he is named after.

In this exciting adventure, told from Hector's viewpoint, Onjali Rauf again demonstrates her vivid storytelling skills combined with an ability to speak directly to children about important subjects.

304 pages / Reviewed by Jayne Gould, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+