WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

CJ and his nana have a long trip back from church and, unlike his friend Colby, whose family has a car, they have to take the bus to get there. As they make their way back to their neighborhood, CJ and his nana experience all the sights, sounds, and feelings their vibrant and diverse city has to offer. Nana teaches CJ to see the beauty all around him, even in unexpected and gritty places, and when they arrive at their destination--a soup kitchen--both CJ and the reader come to appreciate the importance of spiritual richness over material wealth. 


Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña is a moving and joyous celebration of the little things in life, and Christian Robinson's vibrantly heartwarming illustrations are reminiscent of classic Ezra Jack Keats. This multi-layered picture book is much more than a lively tour of a diverse city neighborhood--it's also a tribute to intergenerational relationships, empathy, compassion, and, above all, the joy of human connection.


A wonderful book to share with children ages 4 and up. 

From Vivian the Children's Librarian at the Casa Verdugo Branch Library:

Box of Shocks by Chris McMahen

Oliver has a life filled with security—he lives with his working mother and father, he has a beautiful and organized home, he takes prepared lunches to school, and he gets to go on annual trips to see his Uncle and Aunt. 

On one ordinary day, Oliver discovers a buried box and decides to fill it with items that will give his parents the shock of their lives.  Reckless and dangerous acts of behavior is involved in getting these items and Oliver is consumed with protecting it.  Unfortunately, Oliver’s Box of Shocks is left behind in his old home and he decides to go on with his reckless behavior in order to get it back.  What Oliver soon discovers is that not everyone has the same disposition as he and that the last item placed in his box is the most meaningful. For older readers.