Monday, March 16

Last Stop on Market Street

Last Stop on Market Street
Written by Matt De La Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

My rating: ★★★½

ISBN: 978-0399257742
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Date of publication: January 8, 2015
Age: 4 - 7 years
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: gratitude, beauty, poverty, family relationships

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his nana ride the bus across town. But today, CJ has questions. Why do they have to wait in the rain? Why they don't own a car like his friend Colby? Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Nana, however, has just the right answer to everyone question to help CJ see the beauty in what they have in the world around them.

The poetic writing paired with vivid illustrations in this book make for a in-depth experience; it appeals to the psyche on so many levels. De La Peña has a way with words that really captures the childhood experience ("why can't I have that?") and grandmotherly wisdom. But it really wouldn't be complete without the pictures, which give the story further depth. I appreciate this one, I hope kids will, too--it might be one of those adults-appreciate-it-more picture books.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

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