Bus Route to Boston
on Goodreads (44)
What’s inside...
In 'Bus Route to Boston,' Maryann Cocca-Leffler shares her childhood memories of taking the bus from her home in Everett, Massachusetts, to Boston with her mother and sister. They enjoyed activities like bargain hunting at Filene's Basement, indulging in ice cream at Bailey's, shopping for vegetables at Haymarket, and eating pizza and cannoli in the North End. The story, complemented by colorful acrylic artwork, captures the warmth and excitement of family outings and the bustling city atmosphere. It's a nostalgic and heartfelt memoir that resonates with children and adults alike, reminiscing about the simple pleasures of childhood and the joy of exploring the city.
Discussion points
What do you think about the different people and places mentioned during the bus ride to Boston?
How did the characters feel during their journey? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
Why do you think the author chose a bus for the journey? What makes a bus ride interesting or special?
What is something new you learned about Boston or about traveling from this book?
If you could talk to any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a map to trace the route that the characters took to Boston, discussing each stop or landmark mentioned in the book.
Encourage your child to talk about their own experiences on public transport or a memorable trip they had.
Discuss the illustrations in the book, asking your child what they notice and how it adds to the story.
Relate the story to your child’s feelings and experiences to deepen their empathy and understanding.
After reading, consider planning a family day out or a bus ride, aligning it with the experiences from the book to bring the story to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: In 'Bus Route to Boston', the characters frequently adapt to new situations they encounter on their journey, showing resilience and flexibility.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change in their environment, whether it's a new school, house, or any life changes, with positivity and openness.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusivity
Explanation: The story illustrates the interactions between characters from various backgrounds, highlighting the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by learning to interact respectfully and kindly with classmates and friends who may come from diverse cultural or socio-economic backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As the characters face challenges during their bus ride to Boston, they come up with creative solutions, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and develop solutions to obstacles they face in schoolwork or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters work together to navigate the route and help each other out, showing the value of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book exposes readers to various cultural landmarks and practices in Boston, fostering a sense of appreciation and curiosity about different cultures.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore and respect cultural differences, enriching their understanding and social awareness.