Matt de la Pe ña states in his Newbery Medal Acceptance Speech that CJ's Nana was "teaching CJ to see himself as beautiful to see himself as worthy" (de la Peña, 2016). I was unable to see the beauty at first, but after working with the brothers (men who are between monks and priests) and talking to the workers and abandoned boys, they were all very grateful to be serving those in need even when they were getting paid in food for their family.
The first time I was in Haiti, I felt just like CJ did. I think that the point Nana was trying to get across was that there is beauty around each and everyone, you just have to look for it. Not necessarily the materialistic things, but the gratefulness for my loving family and access to food and water. Each and every time I come back, I am so very grateful for what I have. I have visited Cap Haitien, Haiti three times in my life for mission trips. For me personally, I have experienced being surrounded by poverty and essentially, dirt. Within the book, Nana states, "Sometimes when you're surrounded by dirt, CJ, you're a better witness for what's beautiful" (de la Peña, 2015). They were bright and colorful which allows the reader to experience the beauty within the book. I really enjoyed the illustrations throughout the entirety of this book. Most importantly, helping those in need even when you may not feel like it or have much to give. His Nana reminds him the beauty of his surroundings. He wondered why he didn't have a car like his friend, Colby, or an iPod like the two older boys getting off the bus. The entire time, CJ is wishing he lived different. They ride through town on the public bus and end up at a soup kitchen. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Peña is about a boy named CJ who spends the day with his Nana.
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