Reviews from

The School Bus Driver

a 100-word story

19 total reviews 
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The description in this story is wonderful, fr example:
He glanced over his right shoulder at the rowdy group of kids still crawling over the seats and each other.
The actual story is simple, but effective. Good luck!

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    I am so pleased you like the descriptions in my story, Katherine. Many thanks for your kind praise.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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Preoccupied kids have so many other things on their mind that I doubt they even notice the bus driver and you captured this unique moment here, much enjoyed, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    So pleased you enjoyed my story, Dolly. Many thanks for sharing.
Comment from pome lover
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

a very poignant story, and sad that he thought it wouldn't make any difference to them. It makes me wish he'd tried.
So, you not only told a story well, in 100 words, but evoked emotion in the reader. You are a natural story teller!
Good job.
Katharine

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2022
    Katharine, I am very touched and honored by your personal praise. I also appreciate your insight. I, too, wish Norm had tried. Thank you so much.
reply by pome lover on 27-Apr-2022
    you're most welcome.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

From the looks of the children on the bus in your artwork, I would understand if he wanted to get off the bus and leave them. Of course he would be fired and lose his pension, but children on a school bus are brutal. This is a great short story, and should do well in the contest. Best wishes.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2022
    Thank you so much for sharing my story and your encouraging review.
Comment from LisaMay
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This story is well constructed to set the scene and situation, and to introduce the characters, with the added dimension of emotion. Retirement for Norm will mean fewer rowdy kids, but it is clear he is connected to their lives and he will probably miss them a lot. Will they notice his absence? Let's hope so, and take the time to see him apart from just being the bus driver.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2022
    Lisa, your review and rating touched me greatly because you truly understand what I am trying to do with Norm. Thank you so much.
Comment from Sarah Tummey
Excellent
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I thought this was very realistic, and sad that he was too shy/embarrassed to say a last goodbye. I went to school by taxi as a child, and some drivers I still remember the names of now; others (those who didn't speak much) are forgotten. Well done for fitting this into such a short word count.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2022
    Thank you, Sarah, for your lovely review. You truly seem able to relate to Norm, knowing he was too shy and embarrassed to say goodbye to the kids he obviously loved.
Comment from Anne Johnston
Excellent
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This is a great story and you have chosen a perfect picture to illustrate. How sad it must be for a man who has spent many years with these children, to retire.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2022
    You recognize my intent very well, Anne. Indeed, Norm?s final day as a bus driver was bittersweet.many thanks for sharing.
reply by Anne Johnston on 26-Apr-2022
    You are very elcome
Comment from lancellot
Excellent
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Well, the fact that he knew each one's full name and grade is amazing. But what more amazing is that he is jumping for joy to be away from that madness. But, no, they likely will not miss him.

A very interesting story. Well written. I think this may win.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2022
    Thank you very much, Lancelot, for your kind praise and encouragement.
Comment from jessizero
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was bittersweet. I still fondly remember my elementary school bus driver, so maybe your character will be missed. Thank you for sharing this here.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2022
    I am so pleased that you were able to relate so well to Norm. Many thanks for your sensitive review.