The Grown-Up Scoop
These first lessons are all about discovering this amazing book. Use this time to not only read it, but to start diving into the themes and details of the story!
Below are links to download the Book Pack Plan and Study Guide for Last Stop on Market Street. Feel free to use these to explore the book on your own, or as a guide to follow along with as you travel through the sections.
Before You Read
To get started, share this short story summary with your child(ren):
Every Sunday, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. 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? 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.
Are You Ready?
Begin each lesson with an African A-GO and A-MAY exercise to bring child(ren) to attention.
A-GO: Means “Are you ready to listen in silence?” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
A-MAY: Means “Yes, I am ready to listen in silence and you may begin.” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
Now, sitting comfortably with your child(ren), show them the front and back covers of the book. Then ask questions, like the following, to stimulate their thinking, to encourage them to read, and to create wonder.
Before Reading Questions:
What does the word transportation mean?
Have you ever been on a bus? What kind of bus? Who took you? Where did you go?
What is rain like? How does it make you feel? Does it smell? How does it sound?
Did you ever have to go somewhere when you did not really feel like going? Where? Why did you have to go? Once you arrived, were you happy you were there?
Read the Book
When you are ready, read the book with your child(ren). Remember to have fun with it!
After You Read
After reading, review the story and its details by asking more questions to your child/children.
After Reading Questions:
Who were some of the different characters on the bus?
What was the weather like when CJ and Nana left the church?
Where are CJ and his grandma going? Why?
Do you think CJ changed his mind about riding the bus at the end of the book?
