Last Stop on Market Street by Matt DeLaPena

De la Peña, M., & Robinson, C. (2015). Last stop on Market Street. New York: G.P.
Putnam's Sons. ISBN-978-0-545-96452-4

Plot Summary:

This picture book takes us on a bus ride with CJ & his grandmother on a Sunday after

church.  A young CJ is full of questions as most children are, & his grandmother is full of
encouraging answers.  CJ is able to see the beauty and abundance of his life along the ride

to the last stop on Market Street.

Analysis:
De La Pena’s writing in this book is great for elementary aged children and even up to

high school.  I believe that even adults could adore this book. CJ spending time with
his grandmother seems very normal and natural. It is not mentioned if she is caring for
him during this time, or if she is his guardian. I think this allows even more children to
relate to CJ, as many grandparents take care of their grandchildren.  Robinson’s illustrations
of the community that CJ and his grandmother live in could be any community, in any
state; they are so relatable. They encounter such a variety of members, old, young, blind,
tattooed, & even wheelchair bound, all wonderfully illustrated with great detail, yet they don’t
take away from the story line.  At the end, CJ can see a bit of his grandmother’s perspective
and even be glad that they took their trip to visit with those familiar faces.

Review Excerpts:

Newbery Medal 2016

Caldecott Medal 2016

Starred Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL “This is a delightful treatment of a
praiseworthy book and merits a place in any library serving children.”

Review in BOOKLIST “The celebratory warmth is irresistible, offering a picture of
community that resonates with harmony and diversity.”

Connections:

*This is a great book to help instill to children, and young adults, the idea of charity
and helping their community.

*Perfect to read around the holidays or as a kick off to a “community service” project
(ie-canned food drive, toy drive, or before serving in a community kitchen).