Last Stop on Market Street Review

Last Stop on Market Street: Review

Bibliography 

de la Pena, Matt. 2015. LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET. Ill. by Christian Robinson. New York,              NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 9780545964524

Plot Summary

C.J. and his grandma leave church and head to the bus stop. At first, C.J. questions why they have to ride it, but with his grandma's help, he sees and meets people from all walks of life and learns to appreciate how wonderful and special every day life can be. He realizes that differences in race and class shouldn't divide people, and we end with C.J. and his grandma arriving at their destination; a soup kitchen to volunteer.

Critical Analysis

de la Pena's Newbery Award winning book does an excellent job of touching on the themes of family and community. C.J. and his grandma's relationship helps to emphasize how the older generations can teach and guide the younger ones. CJ's questions are answered by his grandma's thought provoking responses that open CJ's mind to the world around him and how despite people's differences, we are all people. de la Pena's simple yet effective writing style, with lots of imagery and metaphors scattered throughout, shows CJ's childlike wonder and reminds us of the innocence of childhood. Even though characterization is brief, the readers can sense how wise the grandmother is through her answers to CJ. de la Pena makes her dialogue straight to the point but profound.

Christian Robinson's art style perfectly fits the book. His use of color helps to depict CJ's innocence and view of the world around him. The simplicity of the illustrations fits the story and doesn't take away from or distract. Robinson did a wonderful job of illustrating in a way that kids can connect with and understand.

This book is a straightforward way to teach children about diversity and the beauty of our surroundings. They will enjoy the color and can easily connect with the character of CJ and the questions he has about the world and his experiences.

Review Excerpts

2016 Newbery Medal

Booklist: "The celebratory warmth is irresistible, offering a picture of community that resonates with harmony and diversity."

New York Times Book Review: "...it's also the warmth of their generational relationship that makes this book so satisfying."

Connections

-More by de la Pena: Milo Imagines the World, We Were Here, Mexican Whiteboy

-Write and draw about volunteering

-More books like Last Stop on Market Street:    The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

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