![]() Obviously this is all only my opinion, but it seems to me that the committee missed an opportunity here.more It doesn't challenge readers to engage with characters or ideas in a profound or extended way. And textual complexity, maybe? While the Caldecott for Hugo Cabret was a surprise that made sense to me, this book just doesn't do what I need a Newbery book to do. I'm not prepared to go that far for this one.īut REALLY, Newbery committee? Really? The most distinguished contribution to literature for children out of all the books of 2015 (ok, subject to residency requirements, etc.)? If we want to investigate ideas of community and diversity-if we want to find beauty in our surroundings no matter the difficulties we have to overcome-certainly we can allow more attention than a picture book affords. I am a huge believer in the importance of picture books, and for the great ones I don't think there's any limit to the top of the age range. Up to eight, if you go by the publisher's marketing materials. This is a nice picture book, and it represents all of the underrepresented groups that we're all looking to see in literature for kids. Up to eight, if you go by th So-I should be honest and say that this review isn't really about this book as much as it is about my disappointment in the Newbery committee's decision. Ages 3 5.So-I should be honest and say that this review isn't really about this book as much as it is about my disappointment in the Newbery committee's decision. Earlier, Nana says that life in the deteriorated neighborhood makes people "a better witness for what's beautiful." This story has the same effect. Nana's ability to find "beautiful where he never even thought to look" begins to work on CJ as the two spot people they've come to know. At last, CJ and Nana reach their destination the neighborhood soup kitchen. His folk-style figures come in a rainbow of shapes and sizes, his urban landscape accented with flying pigeons and the tracery of security gates and fire escapes. "He was lost in the sound and the sound gave him the feeling of magic." When the song's over, the whole bus applauds, "even the boys in the back." Nana, readers begin to sense, brings people together wherever she goes.Robinson's paintings contribute to the story's embrace of simplicity. "You got the real live thing sitting across from you." The man begins to play, and CJ closes his eyes. Dennis, who always has a trick for you." (The driver obliges by pulling a coin out of CJ's ear.) When CJ wishes for a fancy mobile music device like the one that two boys at the back of the bus share, Nana points out a passenger with a guitar. "We got a bus that breathes fire, and old Mr. "Boy, what do we need a car for?" she responds. ![]() Like many children his age, CJ is caught up in noticing what other people have and don't have de la Pe a handles these conversations with grace. ![]() "How come we don't got a car?" CJ complains. Instead, they wait for the Market Street bus. On Sunday, CJ and Nana don't go home after church like everybody else. It finds beauty in unexpected places, explores the difference between what's fleeting and what lasts, acknowledges inequality, and testifies to the love shared by an African-American boy and his grandmother. Like still waters, de la Pe a (A Nation's Hope) and Robinson's (Gaston) story runs deep. This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Peña’s vibrant text and Christian Robinson’s radiant illustrations. 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 the world around them. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. This award-winning modern classic-a must-have for every child’s home library-is an inclusive ode to kindness, empathy, gratitude, and finding joy in unexpected places, and celebrates the special bond between a curious young boy and his loving grandmother.Įvery Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
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