Bibliography De la Peña, Matt. 2015. Last Stop On Market Street. Ill. by Christian Robinson. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 9781489871732 Plot Summary CJ, a young boy, travels on the city bus with his nana to the last stop on Market Street every week after church. CJ questions the differences in the world around him while Nana gently encourages him to stop and see the beauty in his world; the beauty in the rain, the beauty in music, the beauty even in the most run-down, dirty parts of the city. When CJ and Nana arrive at their destination, the last stop on Market Street, the true beauty in this story unfolds. Critical Analysis The first thing that you notice upon reading this story was how realistic and engaging the characters of CJ and Nana are. Their simple dialogue reveals the loving and supportive relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. The characters are truly relatable: a little boy questioning his world and a grandmother teaching life lessons in a kind, gentle way. Along the way we meet a diverse array of characters from multiple backgrounds, ethnic groups, and abilities all depicted in authentic and engaging ways. The text has an almost musical quality, creating a natural cadence as it is read. The engaging and realistic dialogue of Last Stop on Market Street is accented by the wonderful illustrations of Christian Robinson. The illustrations at first appear simple, but Robinson includes many small, interesting details within the simple framework. The illustrations depict bustling urban streets, as well as more dilapidated urban areas with ease, providing a background that enhances the journey of CJ and Nana. The characters within the story are depicted in many different skin colors, shapes, and ages, providing a natural diversity that enhances the urban backdrop of the story. What really stands out in this story, however, is the theme of being thankful for what you have and giving back/serving your community. This story is one that leaves an imprint on the reader and inspires you to consider all of the wonderful things that surround you. Response As I read this book, I was instantly drawn to the character of CJ, as he reminded me of my own young son; constantly asking questions. However, as the story unfolded, the heartwarming way Nana spoke to CJ, gently teaching him to stop and enjoy the beauty around him, was what captivated me. Along the journey, I could not wait to see what was at the last stop on Market Street. I have to admit, I got a little emotional when they arrived at the soup kitchen. The illustration showing them serving at the kitchen is a simple and natural way to start a conversation with young children about ways we can help those less fortunate in our community. Overall, this book is one that I will share with my own children for years to come. Honors Winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal A 2016 Caldecott Honor Book A 2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book A New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of 2015 An NPR Best Book of 2015 A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015 A Wall Street Journal Best Book of 2015 A 2015 Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Horn Book Best Book of 2015 The Huffington Post Best Overall Picture Book of 2015 A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature “Best Multicultural Books of 2015” Pick 2015 E.B. White Read Aloud Award Finalist ...and many more! Reviews “This celebration of cross-generational bonding is a textual and artistic tour de force.”--Kirkus Reviews, starred review “De la Peña and Robinson here are carrying on for Ezra Jack Keats in spirit and visual style. This quietly remarkable book will likely inspire questions… it will also have some adult readers reaching for a tissue.”--The Horn Book, starred review “The urban setting is truly reflective, showing people with different skin colors, body types, abilities, ages, and classes in a natural and authentic manner… A lovely title.”--School Library Journal “Like still waters, de la Peña and Robinson’s story runs deep. It finds beauty in unexpected places, explores the difference between what’s fleeting and what lasts, acknowledges inequality, and testifies to the love shared by an African-American boy and his grandmother.”--Publishers Weekly, starred review From Ernie J. Cox, 2016 Newbery Medal Chair, “Read it aloud to someone. The use of language to elicit questions, to spark imagination and to make us laugh is at its best when spoken." Connections Check out the 2016 Newberry Honor Books:
Read this book and come up with ideas about how you can serve your community and help those around you.
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AuthorMy name is Mrs. Scott and I'm a secondary Media Resource Specialist (librarian) in Texas. This blog was created as part of my graduate coursework at Texas Woman's University. All reviews and opinions are my own.
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