Last Stop on Market Street
By Matt de la Peña
The Story
A young boy rides the bus across town with his grandmother every Sunday, grumbling about the rain and the wait, until she helps him see the beauty and music hiding in their ordinary route.
Why It's Special
For the kid who complains about the wait, the weather, or why they can't have what their friends have, this is a gentle nudge toward noticing what's actually around them.
- Big idea: Joy and beauty aren't things you own — they're things you notice, and someone who loves you can teach you how to look.
- Vibes: Warm, unhurried, and full of everyday music — a Sunday bus ride that feels like a small adventure.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on gratitude and noticing the good in ordinary moments
- enjoy stories about a grandparent and grandchild bond
- respond well to quiet, real-world settings instead of fantasy
- like to talk about why people have different lives
Ask Your Little Reader
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think CJ felt while waiting in the rain for the bus?
- Story & problem-solving: What does Nana show CJ to help him see Market Street differently?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever complained about something and then changed your mind about it?
- Imagination: What sounds or sights might you notice on a bus ride if you really paid attention?
- Gratitude: What's something ordinary in your day that you could look at like it's magic?
