This Newberry award winning book has been a popular pick for read alouds in the library and classrooms for years. It also won a Caldecott award and a Coretta Scott King award. Never having read this picture book I felt like I was missing out! I had to see what made this book so special and determine for myself...is it good? Analyzing the characters, illustrations and theme helped me determine the answer.
In this fictional story we meet young CJ who is traveling with Nana to the last stop on Market street. In their journey CJ calls into question just about everything. Why do they have to wait in the rain for the bus? Why don't they have a car? Why can't that man see? Why is their bus stop always so dirty? Nana patiently answers each of his questions with an optimistic point of view that forces CJ to reconsider and appreciate all that he does have.
This leads readers to discover the theme of finding beauty in unlikely places. By not being able to see a blind person gets to experience more through his sense of hearing. By not having a car CJ and Nana get to meet a myriad of fascinating people by riding the bus. By looking up in the sky beauty can be seen in otherwise ugly places. This change of mindset helps CJ learn how too happily to serve others.
The illustrations are bright and eye-catching. Characters from all walks of life are portrayed as bus passengers each with their unique gifts, interests and abilities. The brush strokes Robinson uses will appeal to young readers who are developing their own artistic abilities.
All of these literary elements make this a good book. At the beginning of the coming school year when I am planning out lessons I will be sure to include this delightful story as a read aloud so students can mirror CJ's experiences by contemplate their questions and discovering the beauty that is all around us if we just stop and look around us. I give this book a 4.5 out of a 5 star rating.
de la Peña, M., and Robinson, C. (2015). Last stop on market street. Penguin Group.
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