Title: Last Stop on Market Street
Author: Matt de la Peña
First published January 1, 2015
32 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399257742 (ISBN10: 0399257748)
Rating: 4.3
Overview
“Open your eyes, Mia. The world is full of wonders,” Mia’s grandma said as they boarded the bus that will take them to their weekly volunteer work at the soup kitchen.
Mia is disappointed that they have to take the bus instead of riding in a car like her friends. However, her wise grandma helps her see the beauty around them and appreciate their routine.
With stunning illustrations, Last Stop on Market Street is a heartwarming tale that celebrates everyday life, kindness, and gratitude. This award-winning picture book has touched the hearts of readers and topped the New York Times Bestseller List.”
About the Author
Meet Matt de la Peña, an accomplished author who has written six young adult novels and four picture books, earning him a spot on the New York Times best-seller list and a Newbery Medal. Matt’s passion for writing led him to earn an MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and a BA from the University of the Pacific, where he also excelled as a basketball player on a full athletic scholarship.
Today, Matt resides in Brooklyn, NY, where he teaches creative writing and enjoys visiting high schools and colleges across the nation. For more information on Matt and his work, visit mattdelapena.com.
Editoral Review
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña is a heartwarming and thought-provoking children’s book that was first published in 2015. Matt de la Peña is an award-winning author and educator from California, USA, whose works mostly focus on issues of identity, race, and social justice.
Last Stop on Market Street is illustrated by Christian Robinson, who is known for his vivid and playful style that complements de la Peña’s writing perfectly. In this book, we follow the journey of a young boy named CJ as he and his grandma take the bus to the last stop on Market Street.
Along the way, CJ asks his grandma a series of questions about their surroundings, and together they discover the beauty and diversity of their community. The story is set in a bustling city and shows us people from different walks of life, each with their own unique stories and struggles.
CJ learns valuable life lessons about gratitude, empathy, and compassion, thanks to the gentle guidance of his grandma. The book is targeted towards children aged 4 to 8 years old, and it has won multiple awards, including the Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, and the Caldecott Honor.
Last Stop on Market Street is an essential read for children, as it teaches them about empathy, appreciation for diversity, and the importance of community. The book is incredibly well-written, with de la Peña’s prose conveying a sense of warmth and familiarity that children can easily relate to.
The dialogue between CJ and his grandma is particularly memorable, as it captures the essence of the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Another strength of the book is its illustrations, which are stunningly beautiful and capture the vibrant energy of the city.
Robinson’s use of color and bold lines make the pictures stand out and add a layer of visual depth to the story. However, one criticism of the book is that it could use more depth and complexity, as some readers may find the story a bit simplistic or predictable.
The book is also relatively short, which can make it feel rushed at times. Overall, Last Stop on Market Street is an exceptional book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
It is a touching and inspiring story that teaches valuable lessons about gratitude, empathy, and community, and it is definitely a book that parents and teachers should consider including in their collection. Therefore, I highly recommend Last Stop on Market Street to children and adults alike.
The book’s themes of diversity and social justice are more relevant now than ever, and its gentle yet powerful message will resonate with readers of all ages. For its powerful message, engaging writing, and mesmerizing illustrations, I give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
