Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root for Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robertson, in which the children explore the true beauty of everyday life through the lens of a bus journey across a bustling town, unpicking themes of gratitude and giving along the way. Beginning with the Discovery Point of a bus ride through their local area, children use their senses to describe their experience. The poetic language of the text is then used to inspire children to write their own poetry for ‘the bus that breathes fire’. Children write interview questions for the passengers on the bus to find out more about them, and use their senses to create further poetry to describe sights, sounds and smells of the journey. When CJ arrives at his destination, children explore the concepts of giving and charity through creating adverts for the Soup Kitchen, alongside advice notes explaining why it is important to help those in need and letters to the local community to encourage them to do so. The Writing Root culminates in children creating their own narrative based on a journey to help others using the poetic devices and language techniques explored throughout the Writing Root.

Synopsis of Text:

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn't he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine and in the world around them. This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the love and understanding between grandparent and grandchild as the world comes to life through Matt de la Pena's vibrant text and Christian Robinson's radiant illustrations.

Text Rationale:

What happens if we look at the world in a different way? This question is explored sensitively as we ride with CJ and his Nana on their weekly bus journey through the city. From disappointment and dissatisfaction to recognition and gratitude, Nana opens CJ’s eyes to the beauty all around him with her thoughtful observations and insights.  Centring on the wonders of the local community, this book by award-winning duo Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson will be a great way to open discussions around the diversity of children’s own local environments. Lyrical prose reflects the rhythm of the bus and children will be treated to a host of poetic vocabulary which they can draw upon to enhance their own writing. 

Links and themes:

Community, gratitude, diversity, journeys, family relationships, buses, towns, transport, grandparents

Date written: December 2023