Last Stop on Market Street book review

Bibliography

Peña, M. D. 2015. Last Stop on Market Street. Ill. by Christian Robinson. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN 97800399257742

Plot Summary

While waiting at a bus stop after church with his grandmother (Nana), CJ begins to question why they live their life differently than other people. As his curiosity continues throughout the bus ride, Nana explains to CJ why he should be appreciative of what is around him. Finally, when the bus ride comes to an end, CJ and Nana are dropped off in a different community heading towards a soup kitchen. It was at that moment when CJ comes to the realization that he is happy with the way that they live their lives, even if it is different from others.

Critical Analysis

From the beginning of the story, the colors in the illustrations reflect CJ’s internal feelings towards his and his grandmother’s lifestyle. As the story continues, the colors change from dull to vibrant as CJ begins to see the beauty in the world around him.

The dull colors, along with the illustrations of graffiti on the walls, show a familiar setting that many children can relate to, and it adds to the realism portrayed through the illustrations of certain communities within the book. For instance, as CJ questions his grandmother why a certain part of town is “dirty,” the colors used for the illustrations express CJ’s perception of his surrounding area.

Robinson uses various colors of skin tones to show a diverse community throughout the story. Just as Robinson does with the illustrations throughout the story to show CJ’s appreciation of the world around him, you begin to see a more diverse society with people of different skin colors and clothing. When the story comes to an end, you see the diverse community come together as one for a positive outlook.

Review Excerpt(s)

• 2016 John Newberry Medal winner
• 2016 Caldecott Honor Book
• 2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book 
• Starred review in Kirkus Reviews: " Robinson's exceptional artwork works with it to ensure that readers will fully understand CJ's journey toward appreciation of the vibrant, fascinating fabric of the city" (October 22, 2014). 
• Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly: “Robinson’s paintings contribute to the story’s embrace of simplicity” (October 27, 2014).

Connections

• This book can be read in a classroom setting to show diversity in the neighborhood/ community. 
• This book can be used as a conversation starter with young children to discuss being appreciative for what they have/to show that it is always good to give back to the less fortunate people.