Winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal
A 2016 Caldecott Honor Book
A 2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
A New York Times Bestseller
A New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of 2015
An NPR Best Book of 2015
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015
A Wall Street Journal Best Book of 2015
A 2015 Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Horn Book Best Book of 2015
. . . and many more honors and awards.

So, this book was lauded, honored, and awarded to pieces. And I can see why. The plot is simple: C.J. and his nana leave church on Sunday morning and travel across town on the bus to their stop on Market Street. On the way they discuss the beauty that C.J.’s nana finds in the city. They talk about the reasons for the poverty, sickness, and dirt that C.J. sees, but his nana says, “Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, C.J., you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful.”

I pray that the beauty of the Holy Spirit in me would stand out like a beacon light against the darkness all around. I pray that even my own “dirt” would magnify the beauty and wonder of the Lord’s purity and love. It’s a good thought—and a good picture book for adults and children. I’m happy to have this award-winning picture book in my library.