Last Stop on Market Street
“...in the darkness, the rhythm lifted CJ out of the bus, out of the busy city.”
There is so much to love about “Last Stop on Market Street.” Vibrant illustrations and thoughtful words bring a community to life for readers of all ages.
This story touches on gratitude and happiness, inequity and charitable acts, celebrating differences, and finding beauty in unexpected places and unexpected ways. It’s no wonder that it is also a highly awarded book.
Cj’s Nana models gratitude and joy throughout the story, even when CJ complains about differences that he thinks are making his life more difficult. Nana offers a positive perspective on all the things CJ points out. She appreciates rain because trees get thirsty. Riding the bus is a joy because it affords them the opportunity to meet new people, listen to live music, and even experience a little magic, explains Nana.
It is easy to assume that when the author writes about “their soup kitchen,” he meant that Nana and CJ were on the bus going there to eat. Instead, he challenges our assumptions reveals that CJ and Nana are actually there to serve people in their community who have less. This is a clear message about examining our own wants versus our needs. The author appears to ask, “If CJ and Nana can make time for others every week, can you too?”
We say this often about our stories, and we mean it: we hope this is another one you read over and over again. Don’t rush to point out all of the nuances the very first time you read it. When reading this story to your child, take it in with them and maybe simply ask, “What did you think?” or “What did you notice?”
Another time, ask your child what they think Nana means when she shares some of her quirky wisdom. Maybe yet another time you can ask about whether it is our responsibility to serve others, and so on. Just keep reading, and keep asking. What we wouldn’t do to be a fly on the wall for those conversations.
Some things to think about…
How are the people in this book the same? How are they different?
Do some differences make life better or harder? What examples can you think of?
Last Stop on Market Street describes a community that may be similar to and different than yours. Share the story of your community by creating a story about your neighborhood with words and pictures. When you are finished with your story, gift it to someone else.
