De la Pena, M. (2015). Last Stop on Market Street. NY: Penguin.
Last Stop on Market Street opens with CJ and his grandmother leaving church and walking to the bus stop. CJ is frustrated they must always ride the bus and don't have a car. He shares his multiple frustrations with his grandmother, such as why doesn't he have cool devices or get to stay home and play on Sundays and why do they have to go to the dirty part of town. His grandmother helps CJ see the beauty in the world he is missing and appreciate the people and places around him. When they arrive at their destination, a soup kitchen to help feed the homeless, CJ realizes that he is grateful for his grandmother's guidance.
This book is winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal, the Caldecott Honor award, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor award all for good reason. The message of gratitude and generosity make this book a must for all young readers. I also enjoy the grandmother being the guiding force in this book and the bright light for her grandson. The wisdom of the older generation should always be cherished and revered. The vibrant colors and illustrations really brought the city to life and made the environment so much richer. I highly recommend this to be read by all elementary students.
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