Last Stop on Market Street

A graphic novel by Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson about a boy and his grandmother leaving church to travel on a city bus. CJ is a young boy and is he constantly questioning his grandmother about why things are the way they are as they both travel through the city. He questions the rain and asks his grandmother why they must be out in the rain. She explains to him that trees need to drink water too and when they wait to get on the bus, he asks her why they don’t have a car like his friend Colby. She tells him confidently that they are lucky enough to get on a bus that breathes fire with a bus driver that always displays some sort of magic trick. Once they get on the bus, CJ sees a guitar player to a lady with butterflies in a jar. The bus journey is met with more questions from CJ and his grandmother always has a positive answer. Eventually, the bus ride becomes an enjoyable experience for CJ because of his grandmother’s insights. The illustrations are simple and retro. The colors are strong, but they are not overwhelming. A great story for teachers and parents to provide for children on how to appreciate the little things in life.

De La Peña Matt, & Robinson, C. (2017). Last Stop on Market Street. Puffin.