Last Stop on Market Street Wins 2016 Newbery Medal!

Last stop on Market Street has been awarded the 2016 Newbery Medal!

I’m stunned and humbled and incredibly proud of this book (illustrated by the great Christian Robinson). Last Stop was also awarded a 2016 Caldecott Honor and a 2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book.

Here’s the cover with all those shiny new stickers:

Here’s my official statement to the AP:

“I am humbled beyond words that Last Stop on Market Street has been awarded the 2016 Newbery Medal, placing it alongside so many seminal works which have long inspired my path as an author. It’s important to me that Last Stop’s illustrator, Christian Robinson, share in this honor as this is a picture book, and from the very beginning I’ve felt that his wonderful illustrations make this book what it is. I also want to acknowledge what a privilege it is to be the first Latino male author to receive the Newbery Medal. I hope all the brilliant Hispanic writers of the past and present view this as a recognition or our diverse community and that it inspires young Hispanics coming up to read their way through the world and consider a path in the arts.”

It’s been a mind-blowing few days to say the least. But I’m most excited to share my passion for writing diverse, working-class characters to a broader audience.

Wow.

Okay.

I have a few deadlines fast approaching so . . . I guess it’s back to work.

Thanks everyone!!!

(Okay, one closer look at that Newbery Medal!)