Last Stop On Market Street

De La Pena, M.(2015) Last Stop on Market Street. New York: Scholastic

After church, CJ and his Nana hop on the bus to the last stop on Market Street. Along the way, CJ mentions things that they don't have, like a car or an iPod. His Nana wisely points out all the blessing that CJ does have and reminds him to be a witness to the beauty around him. As they arrive at the last stop on Market Street and head to the soup kitchen, CJ starts to see what is really around him.

This summer I was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear Matt De La Pena speak. He talked about the need for literature with children of color and of books with a variety of experiences in them. There are many children being raised by a grandparent, children who ride buses because they don't have cars, and children who wished they had things their parents couldn't afford. This book is relatable for them. He also pointed out that Nana makes a point to sit at the front of the bus, as they always did. I love that he included that nod to the Civil Rights Movement.

My autograph in the front of my copy says "Be a Witness!" May we all learn to witness the beauty around us and appreciate what we have.