Hop on the Bus by Jason Caldwell

Gus has big dreams. The gifted musician wants to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and become a Marine. But for a young man of limited means, that could prove difficult.
A lifetime of adversity and self-doubt could easily dissuade Gus, a young man on the autism spectrum, from trying anyway, but a unique opportunity soon presents itself and encourages him to move out of his comfort zone for the first time in his life.
Shannon Poplin is a popular young musician. She and her father have earned quite the reputation for their stellar performances for veterans and those who live in senior homes. But the recognition Shannon has gained doesn’t shield her from a shocking betrayal by her mother. In fact, it forces her to use extra scrutiny when interacting with everyone.
Unfortunately, Gus falls into that category. If he doesn’t muster up the courage to ask to join Shannon and her father, his chance for grants and scholarships to attend CU Boulder to study music may be deterred.
Will Gus overcome his self-doubt and try to build a relationship with Shannon?