Last Stop on Market Street

Last Stop on Market Street: by Matt De La Pena, Illustrated by Christian Robinson

This story provides great discussion revolving around the topics of social equality and differences.  It is a great story for teaching

about growth mindset and finding the positive when sometimes all we see is negativity around us.

Thi story captures a typical Sunday routine of a young boy named CJ and his Nana.  On this particular day it is raining and CJ

seems to be complaining about the small negative things he sees on their journey.  His Nana notices this negativity and offers

“rays of sunshine” by noting the wonderful and positive things around them despite the negative that is in “plain sight”.  They

begin by walking, then taking a public bus ride, and finally ending their destination at a soup kitchen in which they serve a meal

to the homeless in their community.

This story will be very interesting and engaging to students.  The author has unique vocabulary used throughout the book and

unexpected story events that keep the reader thinking, questioning, and inferencing.  The author’s text provides great conversation

about social status, equality, and the differences in culture and people in our communities.

I would recommend this book to read aloud in classrooms in which students are learning about social economics, social status,

and equality.  It helps students understand ways to think about multiple perspectives and showing empathy and community

outreach to those in need. It helps students understand how our mindset can be changed and how having a growth mindset can

have a positive effect on the people around us.  It also encourages students to develop a sense of empathy and think about actions

that promote caring, friendship, and service to their school or community.

• Link: Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKWyXcA8bIU

Great link to use to introduce the book or use as an overview to the story if using in an activity.