Last Stop on Market Street

After church, CJ and his nana don't go home. They take the bus to Market Street where they volunteer at a soup kitchen and CJ wonders why they don't have a car. He watches as lots of people get on and off the bus, leaving him full of questions and his nana answers each with patience, love and wisdom until they reach their final destination. 

This is quite simply a beautiful book. What appears to be a straightforward story offers so much to think about and discuss as CJ's nana finds beauty in everyone and values things that others might not. The warmth of the relationship between the two is wonderful. Her guidance helps CJ to appreciate all the people in his community and he comes to see the journey as an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy himself.

In the end, CJ is glad he made the journey with her to help at the soup kitchen, no longer feeling sorry for himself because he has to give up his Sunday afternoon whilst his friends are free to enjoy themselves however they please. The book offers no ‘preachy’ message about helping others- it is just there at the heart of the story.

The illustrations are fabulous. Full of warm colours, there are many little details to notice and enjoy alongside the text, offering plenty of opportunities for readers to develop their own ideas about different characters.

We could all do with regularly reading ‘Last Stop on Market Street’ and taking a moment to step back and appreciate the little things in life, valuing what we have and appreciating others.

Last Stop on Market Street Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Penguin ISBN: 978-0399257742