What makes Bus Stop Books distinct?
FEATURES
- Written at an early elementary level for teenagers and adults.
- Limited number of pages to allow reading success in single sessions.
- Decodable text and topics allow those who are often marginalized because of low skills to hold their own in class by being able to read aloud and contribute personal perspectives to classroom discussion.
- Rich illustrations elevate the text, offering clarity but not allowing guessing.
- Follows the current reading science.
TEACHERS
- These can be used independently, one-on-one, small group, or whole class.
- To maximize student success, a list of sounds and skills is included. This allows teachers to determine readiness and offers opportunities to introduce or review skills
- Each work contains a customized sound chart and pronunciation guide which can be used for reference, direct instruction, and practice.
- Curated mul-ti-syl-lab-ic words are predivided for easier pronunciation and simplified teaching.
- A detailed discussion guide covering both artwork and text is included for lively whole class or small group engagement and to offer ideas for student response work.
CHARACTERS, SETTING, PLOT
- Characters are teenagers and adults rather than elementary age.
- Plots are centered around African-American characters and experiences but are not written exclusively for them.
- Each story explores the rich social and cultural histories of its characters.
- Selections are rooted firmly in experiences related to general American history.
- Narrators model authentic, inspirational responses to very real and difficult histories.
ARTWORK & LAYOUT
- Illustrated by professional artists of color who believe in the power of art to elevate and transform.
- Includes multiple narratives, scripts, memory, metaphors, etc. that can itself be the subject of discussion.
- Cover art is mature and has no indication of being a decodable reader so students are not embarrassed, and it can be sent home with any of them.
Simple words, not simple ideas
Older students reading at early elementary levels CAN explore complex ideas using decodable texts.
Middle schoolers and up need and deserve high-quality decodable reading material that has complex characters and emotionally nourishing story lines. To a 15-year-old reading at a 1st grade level, reading, owning, and carrying around a book titled “I AM A MAN” about the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike (including the iconic photo of black men marching peacefully in the face of tanks and bayonets) is a completely different experience than reading, owning, and carrying around one titled "Max and His Cat" with funny cartoons.
BSB honors the older readers’ mature intellects, histories, and realities by using:
- Content that drives discussions among peers and generations, like what it might be like to be the kid of a black cop in the time of Black Lives Matter.
- Professional original illustrations rich with symbolism and complex emotional references rather than cartoons, stock photos, or clipart.
- Cover art and formatting that does not look like a book written for a younger audience, because it isn't.
Bus Stop Blues
$25.00
($3.99 shipping)
Buy 5, get 1 free. Orders over 5 copies also get free shipping. For bulk orders please use our Contact Us page.