LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Matt de la Pena upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the John Newbery Medal

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Matt
de la Pena upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the John
Newbery Medal; and
WHEREAS, The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library
Association for the most distinguished American children's book
published within the previous year; on June 22, 1921, Frederic G. Melch-
er proposed the award to the American Library Association meeting of the
Children's Librarians' Section and suggested that it be named for the
eighteenth-century English bookseller John Newbery; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of the Newbery Medal was stated as follows: "To
encourage original creative work in the field of books for children. To
emphasize to the public that contributions to the literature for chil-
dren deserve similar recognition to poetry, plays, or novels. To give
those librarians, who make it their life work to serve children's read-
ing interests, an opportunity to encourage good writing in this field.";
and
WHEREAS, A resident of Park Slope, Brooklyn, Matt de la Pena became
the first Hispanic author to win this auspicious award for his insight-
ful and thought-providing book LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET, which was
illustrated by Christian Robinson; and
WHEREAS, LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET is a heartfelt story about a young
boy who rides the bus across town with his grandmother and learns to
appreciate the beauty in everyday things; and
WHEREAS, Matt de la Pena earned his bachelor's degree from the Univer-
sity of the Pacific; he then obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree in
Creative Writing from the University of the Pacific, where he attended
school on a full athletic scholarship for basketball; and
WHEREAS, A NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author, Matt de la Pena has
written six young adult novels and two picture books; he also teaches
creative writing and visits high schools and colleges throughout the
country; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Matt de la Pena upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the John Newbery Medal; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matt de la Pena.