Book Review: Last Stop on Market Street

 



BIBLIOGRAPHY

Matt, D. la P., & Robinson, C. (2016). Last stop on market street. Scholastic Inc.

PLOT SUMMARY

In this story, we see the strong bond between a young boy and his Nana.  Through a journey around town on a city bus, CJ learns how to see beauty in his surrounds even when it is not easily seen.   

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Matt De La Pena uses sensory language to describe CJ’s surrounds from the moment he leaves church to the moment he reaches his final destination on Market Street. The dialogue between CJ and his Nana is very heart felt and inspiring.

Christian Robinson’s cartoon illustrations, guide readers through town on a bus ride and finally to their final destination on Market Street. Robinson’s illustrations are simple, colorful and capture city life through the eyes of a child. The illustrations match the book’s wording perfectly and they take you down a realistic world that may be familiar for young readers.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in Boston Globe: “The sharp illustrations—in bold, and cheerful primaries”
Starred review in School Library Journal: “Appreciating diversity; Perspective-Taking; Social-Engagement”

Winner of the Newbery Medal

A Caldecott Honor Book

A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book

CONNECTIONS

* Lead a class discussion about the difference between needs and wants.

* Guide students to complete a “Making Connections” graphic organizer. Through a class discussion or think/pair/share, students can make text to text, text to world, and text to self-connections.

* This is a great resource to help teach theme. This book teaches students how to find beauty in everything and in everyone.  It can also teach students not to judge a book by it’s cover.

* Other books about finding beauty in things:

Castillo, L., & Gebauer, C. (2020). Nana in the city. ISBN 9780544104433


Whamond, D., & Stokes, J. (2018). Rosie’s glasses. ISBN 9781771389914

Review completed for SHSU MLA course

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