Author/Illustrator: Matt De La Pena/Christian Robinson
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Awards: Newbery Award (2016), Caldecott Honor Award (2016)
Age Level: 5-8 years old
Summary: CJ is a young boy who leaves church with his nana and they take a ride across town. As they walk to the bus stop, CJ sees people passing by in their own car and wonders why they don't have a car of their own. He also tells his nana that he wishes he was like the older boys with iPods listening to music. As CJ is asking his nana these questions, she is responding gently by encouraging him to see and hear the beauty of the real world without using the luxuries that others have. CJ comes face to face with being accepting and happy with what he has and not longing for the "wants" in life. Through simple yet vibrant illustrations, the author is able to portray the real atmosphere of the train across town. Some characters are even illustrated with tattoos and others represent styles with acoustic guitars cowboy hats.
I would love to use this book in my class before we began a technology unit. I think this would be a great way for students to appreciate and value the iPads/any other technology that they are being given in the classroom.
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