“The city is busy, loud, and scary. But Nana makes it feel like home.”
“The city is busy, loud, and scary. But Nana makes it feel like home.”
This story follows a young boy who initially feels overwhelmed by the noisy, crowded city but learns to see its beauty with the help of his Nana. In the classroom, the book is useful for discussing bravery, perspective, and family support. It can also spark lessons on setting, encouraging students to describe places that feel overwhelming or safe to them and how their feelings might change over time.
pickIn Nana in the City, the illustrations are soft yet bold, with warm colors contrasted against the darker, busier tones of the city. Castillo uses texture and line to create both the intimidating energy of the urban setting and the comforting presence of Nana. The organized shifts in color and composition mirror the child‘s journey from fear to appreciation.
I would use this around earth day and talk with students about how to make our earth better.
so-soI personally love the way this book is set up because it moves the words and puts them around the images as well as turning the words into images. the photos show depth and detail and take up the whole page. I love the colors and brightness. 2009 Peter Brown
“Sometimes when you're surrounded by dirt...you're a better witness for what's beautiful.”
“Sometimes when you‘re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you‘re a better witness for what‘s beautiful.”
I‘d use this book in grades 2–4 to teach theme development and point of view. Students could write their own “Last Stop” stories, noticing beauty on their way to school or around their neighborhood. It‘s also a perfect anchor for discussions about kindness, gratitude, and community service.
