When Last Stop on Market Street won the Newbery Award a week ago, I was shocked. There were so many good books I read that were released last year, that I couldn't believe this colorful picture book took the top prize. I will admit-- I had not read it, but I had ordered it, because so many of my online colleagues had such positive things to say about it. As soon as I had some quiet time I went and picked the book up to read it. 
 I've now read this book twice for myself, and once as a read-aloud to some third graders. The story of C.J.'s journey across town in a city bus with his grandmother has some magical moments. The bus driver plucks a coin "out" of C.J.'s ear; a blind man and his dog board the bus and C.J. learns about ways people "see" other than with their eyes; a man with a guitar plays a song that makes C.J. feel free-- as though he is flying. (view spoiler)[Once they reach the last stop on Market Street, C.J. and his grandmother climb down from the bus to walk the short distance to the soup kitchen in a worn-down part of town. C.J. and Nana serve at the soup kitchen, and it isn't clear if they also are recipients of the charity at the soup kitchen. Regardless, (hide spoiler)] The story has a great lesson about seeing the good, being grateful, and having a positive attitude. I must say that the beauty of the book became more apparent to me as I shared it with children....