Synopses & Reviews
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn't he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty — and fun — in their routine and the world around them.
This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Pena's vibrant text and Christian Robinson's radiant illustrations.
Review
“It's also the warmth of [the] intergenerational relationship that will
make this book so satisfying, for both young readers and the adults
sharing it with them.” New York Times Book Review
Review
“The urban setting is truly reflective, showing people with different
skin colors, body types, abilities, ages, and classes in a natural and
authentic manner… A lovely title.” School Library Journal
Review
“Like still waters, de la Peña and Robinson's story runs deep. It finds
beauty in unexpected places, explores the difference between whats
fleeting and what lasts, acknowledges inequality, and testifies to the
love shared by an African-American boy and his grandmother.” Publishers Weekly, starred review
Review
“This celebration of cross-generational bonding is a textual and artistic tour de force.” Kirkus Reviews, starred review
About the Author
Matt de la Peña (www.mattdelapena.com) is the author of several critically-acclaimed young adult novels, as well as the celebrated picture book
A Nations Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis. Matt lives in Brooklyn, NY. Follow him on Twitter @mattdelapena
Christian Robinson (www.theartoffun.com) is the winner of the 2014 Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, as well as the 2013 Marion Vannett Ridgeway Honor. Christian lives in San Francisco, California.