Last Stop on Market Street

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 Last Stop on Market Street embraces diversity in children's literature, a diversity that not only helps us see ourselves and one another, but that also asks that we make our world anew. It is a wonderful book of art and storytelling for children that won a Newbery Award, Caldecott Honor, and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. 

Last Stop on Market Street is a story about appreciating differences, happiness, and inequity. Every Sunday after church, CJ and his Nana take the bus to its' last stop on Market Street. This Sunday, CJ begins to wonder why they have to wait in the rain, why they don't have a car, why they always make this trip. His Nana responds by giving him different ways of appreciating what they have, what their routine is, and the different people they meet. Nana shows CJ the value in differences and the joy of helping those that need it. 

I really enjoy how this book can raise questions about the diversity of people and their circumstances and the role of helping others. The book also touches on the topic of inequity and how we should think about the response we should have to inequity. This book is a brilliant celebration of the love between a grandmother and her grandson. 


"Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Pena

                                    Illustrated by Chrisitan Robinson

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