Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Last Stop on Market Street

 




                                                            Last Stop on Market Street
                                                            Written by Matt de la Peña
                                                            Illustrated by Christian Robinson
                                                            Where to Find Book



        Summary: 
Last Stop on Market Street follows a young boy named CJ who rides the bus across town with his grandmother. Along the way, CJ notices the differences between his life and the lives of the people he sees. He asks questions and sometimes wonders why his life isn’t more like others’. His grandmother helps him see the beauty in his community, the kindness in others, and the ways he can appreciate what he has. By the end of the ride, CJ learns to value his neighborhood and the unique experiences of people around him.

        Element 2: Respect for Others:

This book connects to Element 2 because it shows students the importance of noticing and valuing differences in people’s lives. CJ learns to see beauty and worth in every person, no matter their background, and to respect the diversity of experiences in his community. It encourages empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the ways in which everyone’s story is meaningful.

         Classroom Use (Pre-k to Grade 2):

  • Read the book aloud to the class and compare the diversity found in the book to the students' own community.

  • Comparing what CJ notices about differences versus what he learns to appreciate.

  • Ask students to reflect on a time they noticed something different in their community and how it made them feel.

  • Have students draw a picture of a moment when they appreciated someone different than them. 

Discuss ways students can respect and celebrate differences in their own school or neighborhood.

Additional Resources 

  • Other lessons related to the book

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