About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
The students of the 121 Express are infamous for bad behavior and Lucas knows his role on the bus will determine his social standing at his new school.
Lucas is tired of being one of the nerds. When he attracts the negative attention of the cool troublemakers, he saves himself by teasing another kid. His ploy works and soon Lucas is right in the center of the mayhem on the bus. He loves his new found popularity, but when the fun and games push the bus driver to a nervous collapse and hospitalizes an elderly lady, Lucas begins to question his choices.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Contributor Notes
Monique Polak claims that she never got in trouble as a child, but any reader of 121 Express will know that she secretly wanted to. Monique divides her time writing and teaching. She lives in Montreal, Quebec, with her husband and daughter.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, American Library Association (ALA) Popular Paperback for Young Adults
Editorial Reviews
"The plot and characters...provide good basic morals for teens who read at a lower level. Recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Explores weighty topics - racism, self-respect, compassion - without preaching, through an honest narrator to whom readers can relate."
— Montreal Review of Books (MRB)
"Teens will appreciate the desire to fit in with the cool crowd and will laugh at the pranks."
— Puget Sound Council for Review of Children's Media
