The characters in the book are all different in different ways: some have cars, some are young, some are old, some are poor, some can see, some cannot see, some play instruments.Questions for Philosophical Discussion Appreciating Differences Corresponding with the topic of inequity, children may be challenged to discuss moral and social responsibility and whether some people have greater responsibilities to help others. For example, the people in the soup kitchen need food and CJ wants a music player like the older boys on the bus. Children may be asked about which things it is good for people to have equally, what are the most important things that people need, and what the difference is between necessity and mere want. For example, the blind man benefits from CJ giving up his seat and the people in the soup kitchen benefit from CJ and Nana’s work. Some of the people CJ encounters have less than he has and possibly need help. The final set of questions introduces children to the concept of inequity. Children may be asked about the value of volunteering to help others, the role of charity in a happy life, what makes someone happy or unhappy, and the role of having things in a happy life. The next set of questions highlights Nana’s character and outlook: she is a very positive person, she’s committed to their routine after church, she is reflexively optimistic, seeing the goodness in tough situations.

For example, in the first set of questions, children can be asked about how people are different (routines, abilities, visual differences, skills, money) and how are they the same, about whether some differences can make people’s lives better or worse, and whether some differences call for accommodation. So, first and foremost, the book offers an opportunity to discuss differences and the proper way to evaluate and embrace them. He notices socioeconomic differences as well: when they get off the bus they are in a poorer part of town. CJ also notices differences between other people: there’s a blind man, a man with many tattoos, a lady carrying butterflies in a jar, a musician, and a jokester bus driver. He notices the many ways he and his Nana are different from the people around them: they have a special routine, they don’t have a car, his Nana has a positive way of seeing and reacting to the world. And finally, the book touches on the topic of inequity and what the proper response to it ought to be.ĬJ is a curious boy. Last Stop on Market Street is a book that raises questions about the diversity of people and their circumstances, the obligation of charity, and the role that helping other people plays in the good life. Read aloud video by Christian Robinson (the illustrator!) Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion Nana shows CJ the value in differences and the joy in helping those that need it. Nana responds by giving him different ways of appreciating what they have, what their routine is, and the different people they meet. This Sunday, CJ begins to wonder why they have to wait in the rain, why they don’t have a car, why they always make this trip. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary Last Stop on Market Street is a story about appreciating differences, happiness, and inequity.Įvery Sunday after church, CJ and his Nana take the bus to its last stop on Market Street.

The last stop book