Those Shoes

by Maribeth Boelts, Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator)

But all the kids are wearing them! Any child who has ever craved something out of reach will relate to this warm, refreshingly realistic story.

"I have dreams about those shoes. Black high-tops. Two white stripes."

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. But Jeremy’s grandma tells him they don’t have room for "want," just "need," and what Jeremy needs are new boots for winter. When Jeremy’s shoes fall apart at school, and the guidance counselor gives him a hand-me-down pair, the boy is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy comes to realize that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Poverty, Fiction, School

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Maribeth Boelts is a former teacher who has written 40 books for children. She lives in Iowa and enjoys all things nature and family.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the concepts of needs versus wants and the importance of being a good friend are perhaps a bit on the surface and obvious, thankfully and appreciatively, the presented narrative of Maribeth Boelts' Those Shoes is generally realistic and neither too preachy nor sugar-coated. For one, young Jeremy does not immediately and smilingly accept his grandmother's claims that he needs new winter boots more than "those shoes" that everyone at school is oohing and ahhing about (which I for one consider a much more realistic scenario than if Jeremy had immediately accepted that the latter are beyond his grandmother's financial means). And for two, the author has also and again quite realistically depicted Jeremy as not all that immediately grateful to guidance councellor Mr. Alfrey finding replacement shoes for Jeremy when his shoes come apart during a school kickball game. I mean, considering that the only shoes in Mr. Alfrey's collection of hand-me-outs for students in need which are of Jeremy's size are bright blue with velcro instead of laces and that Jeremy's classmates except for Antonio Parker all laugh at him, it is in my opinion both understandable and even acceptable that Jeremy cannot really all that much and immediately appreciate Mr. Alfrey's kindness, but instead feels sad, left out and embarrassed at having to wear shoes that as he states his toddler cousin Marshall should be wearing (and it is indeed truly wonderful that Maribeth Boelts portrays Jeremy as a typical boy with strong likes and dislikes and has not strived to make him appear as holier than thou, as someone who always and immediately accepts and understands life's struggles and disappointments).

Furthermore, and perhaps even more importanly, while I just love that Jeremy finally decides to give the thrift store version of "those shoes" (which he cannot wear because they are much too small for his feet) to Antonio Parker (to the only boy in class who has not laughed at the blue velcro shoes and who is wearing shoes that are falling apart, shoes that are being held together by tape), I think I even more appreciate that it takes Jeremy a while to to consider, that he does not immediately give Antonio the shoes, and again very much realistically, that even after having given the shoes to Antonio, Jeremy still does feel both sad and a bit angry at now being the only student in class to not have "those shoes" to wear and that the shoes he must wear are the blue Mr. Alfrey pair about which the other students have been laughing so much. Jeremy's act of kindness and frienship towards Antonio Parker is therefore also tinged with some regret and a bit of anger (not at Antonio, but at the whole scenario and the reasons why Jeremy cannot have "those shoes" namely that his grandmother cannot afford to buy him a new pair and that the thrift store shoes just do not fit).

As to Noah Z. Jones' accompanying illustrations, although as artwork in and of itself, his pictures are a trifle too cartoon-like and stylised for my aesthetics, for my eyes, in conjunction with Maribeth Boelts' featured narrative, they provide a realistic and colourful mirror, showing both the ambience and general feel of young Jeremy's clearly inner city neighbourhood, as well as depicting in a subtle manner his feelings and thoughts, both negative and positive (but furthermore, Noah Z. Jones' illustrations of Jeremy's and his grandmother's apartment also show and demonstrate that while Jeremy and his grandmother do not live in abject poverty, the sparse furnishings do demonstrate that the grandmother clearly does have to scrimp and save in order to make both ends meet, that money is tight and the universally popular shoes Jeremy so desires are truly an unafforable luxury and too expensive). Four stars!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts, Jeremy struggles with a dilemma at school. All he wants are the shoes that "everyone" else has at school. Jeremy's Grandma tells him that they can't afford the expensive high top tennis shoes that he wants, but they can get the warm winter boots that he needs. When Jeremy's old shoes break and he is forced to wear Velcro cartoon character shoes provided by the guidance counselor, he finds out who his real friends are and what he truly needs not wants.
This book covers many categories of contemporary realistic fiction. First, a majority of the book takes place in a school. Many students will be able to relate to the pressure Jeremy feels to fit in with his peers. Second, he faces emotional challenges when other students make fun of him and he struggles with not being ale to afford the shoes. Third, it covers social diversity. Jeremy is an African American boy living with his Grandma. No other parental figures appear in the story. While it is clear that Jeremy's grandma can provide for his needs, it is also clear that they are faced with a lower socioeconomic status.
I really related to this story, especially when Jeremy found the shoes at an affordable price at the thrift store a few sizes too small. Instead of moving on without the shoes, he forced his feet in and lived with blisters just so he could fit in. His need to feel accepted by his peers is a common one felt by young students. Eventually Jeremy realizes that he can't wear the shoes without hurting himself and finds he truly has what he needs. I would recommend this book to a K - 3 classroom. It will set up a great discussion for kids on both sides of the fence: the kids who can afford everything and need to learn humility and the kids who struggle in poverty but still need to find ways to fit in.

[Krista Lutgring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the story this book portrays. It shows diversity in family structures, economic funds, giving, and friendship. The young boy in this story learns the importance of spending money and saving money on things that you need rather than what you want to fit in at school. In the end, it was winter and he didn't even need his tennis shoes anymore and he was grateful to have his nice new snow boots.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy wants "those shoes", if you have ever struggled financially, you know exactly what shoes he wants, expensive, new, hip, cool shoes. His grandma says they don't have room wants, just needs. So, Jeremy gets a pair of used shoes from the school counselor. He's embarrassed and sad. What happens next is powerful and offers a great message about having good character.

Text and illustrations are both of high quality and help to deliver an important life lesson in a natural manner.

[Elyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you as you can see the friendship in this story teaches me that helping your friend out gets you and your friend something If Antonio and Jeremy
Didn’t show friendship to each other the short story would have a completely different theme and thesis, That’s why showing friendship help you and your friend out.

[L13_Allison Safran · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I have dreams about those shoes. Black high-tops. Two white stripes.”

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts is a story that truly touched my heart. Those Shoes is the story of a little boy who doesn’t have much money, and is feeling very jealous of everyone in his class who has a special pair of shoes. The little boy in the story really breaks down when his own shoes fall apart, and he has to visit the guidance counselor to pick out shoes from a box. The new shoes that he selects are too young, according to the boy, and many him feel even worse. When the little boy begs his grandma for new shoes, she agrees to look at the resale shop to see if they might have a pair of the shoes he desperately craves. Indeed they do! Unfortunately, they are too small. The boy buys them anyways. In the end, the little boy gives away his favorite new shoes to a boy in his classroom who is also in need of new shoes. Giving away what he adored most in the story is a touching moment for the reader, and makes the main character feel proud.

This book would be useful for students of any age, because the story has so many levels. At the most elementary level, it is about a boy who can’t have what he wants. However, when you look deeply into the story, the book talks about poverty, difficult decisions, jealousy, and being selfless. The voice in the story is also very strong! The grandmother’s voice is very authentic feeling for the story, and I could absolutely picture another adult speaking to a child in the same way.

I really enjoyed reading this book and its many purposes! It would be a great fit for reading, writing, or even character development.

[Jessica Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy is a child who needs a new pair of shoes. He wants his grandma (who I assume is his sole guardian) to buy him "those shoes" that everyone at his school seems to own. When the guidance counselor gives Jeremy a pair of "kiddie" shoes, he is embarrassed and all but one of his classmates laughs at his shoes. Jeremy's grandma takes him shopping only to discover she can not afford the shoes. Jeremy later finds the shoes at a thrift store but they are too small. At the end of the story, he chooses to give the too small dream shoes to the classmate who had torn up shoes but a big heart!

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts is the perfect book for any elementary student! Perfect for introducing a plethora of topics such as socioeconomic diversity, character feelings, and ideas of family. For kindergarten and first grade, I would use this book as a read aloud and a great way to introduce many social studies units using simple vocabulary! (Family and community) It talks about shopping at a thrift store, living in a household where the guardian is a single grandparent, friendship, and bullying. . For grades second through fifth, I would use this text during "Read to Someone" (Daily 5) and have students answer questions about the character's feelings and how they changed over the course of the story. This book could also be used as a mentor text preparing students to reflect on a time when they wanted something but could not have it or a time when they shared their personal belonging with someone else.

[Lauren Mocny-Branum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Shoes (A Charlotte Zolotow Award Nominee, 2008) A touching story that follows a young boy, Jeremy, that has no room for “wants” only “needs.” but Jeremy desperately wants those shoes - the pair of high tops with two white stripes. Jeremy’s loving grandmother says he only needs a pair of winter boots. Jeremy struggles with this dilemma, he wants “those shoes” - especially after his own sneakers fall apart at school and he has to wear some given to him by the guidance counselor that have an embarrassing cartoon character on the side. His classmates take note of his cartoon character shoes and laugh at him. All except one boy.. Jeremy’s grandmother takes him out to buy those shoes he’s been wanting, only to find them in a size too small for Jeremy. Jeremy battles with himself on what to do with those shoes and ultimately finds exactly what he should do with them. This story is relatable for all who have ever felt the need to fit in or did not have the means to do so. Since this story is told in Jeremy’s perspective, we are able to sympathize with Jeremy and his situation. This children’s book hits on the ideas of wants vs. needs and would be great for teaching different perspectives. However, despite the great lesson of giving, my favorite aspect (and what made it a WOW book for me) is that it ends with a subtle reminder of what was even more important the whole time - the children are playing together and having fun, which had nothing to do with the shoes they had on.

[Reva Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Those Shoes is a story about a young boy named Jeremy who always catches himself wanting a pair of those shoes that everyone else at his school has. His grandma explains to Jeremy that they do not have room for wants and needs. Jeremy’s shoes end up falling apart, and the guidance counselor gives him some. Jeremy also goes to the thrift store to buy a pair because he’s so determined to have them, but they’re too small. At the end of the story, Jeremy realizes the boots his grandma had given him, and the given chance to make a friend happy, are much better than those shoes.
Evaluation: I gave this book an overall rating of 5. I think this book is a very interesting and engaging book. I think it relates very easily to children that have ever wanted anything, but they were told no. This book can relate to students of all age groups.
Teaching Point: I think this book would be a very interesting book to use during a read aloud to a kindergarten or first grade classroom. This book provides many opportunities to ask comprehension questions, along with relating to the first grade standard that asks students to analyze character’s feelings. I personally would read the book aloud to my class, ask comprehension questions and questions that make students think about characters feelings, and then ask students to draw pictures of what happened from the beginning, middle, and to the end of the story. At the end of this, students that finish early could also write a descriptive essay about the main character, their feelings, and how they personally related to the story.

[Nyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremy wants a pair of black high-top sneakers that all the boys at school have, only to find his grandma refuses to buy him some as they cannot afford them. Things got bad at school when Jeremy shoes fell apart at school, if that’s not embarrassing enough the only shoes available are sneakers with a cartoon of an animal on the side! Jeremy tries his luck and buys sneakers at a local thrift shop even though they were small, giving him blisters. However something did come out of it when his generosity turns into friendship when he gives the shoes to another child who really needs them!

The author Maribeth Boelts is a former teacher and has won several awards for her books, her message of the books shows she understands how children feel and tried to put across a message. Empathy is a big message of the book and would be great to use in a classroom. This book is clever and contains a powerful lesson about differentiating about wants and needs and not being materialistic.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't recall every having this kind of craving; maybe this (Candlewick) book will help me empathize with those who do.
----
Ok done. Actually, I do now. Briefly, in high school, I wanted to fit in and have that certain kind of blouse, with the shiny threads woven through... I don't even remember exactly what they looked like now but I was uncomfortable with the fact that I had exactly five outfits for the days of the week and none of them were 'fashionable.' Huh.

Good book. I really was able to empathize with the boy. I still can't help think, though, that it can't be too terribly hard to teach a kid to care about other things more. I appreciate the grandma's methods to help the boy learn.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

Not all of us get the shoes we want. The ones we lust after. The ones we hope and dream for. We get dorky shoes. Those that give us shoes mean well. Still. It is always good to learn the lessons of this book. That shoes, of any wearable kind, are better than a dream shoe 99.9% of the time. A shoe that protects a bare foot from unfriendly surfaces without squishing, blistering or rubbing said foot bloody, is a very good thing.

My group approved of this story and its willingness to thumb its nose at those insensitive few who don't have the sense to include everyone, and who egg the bullies on.

Good shoe story, said Arthur. Give it three stars, said he.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally rate children's books with 5 stars, but this one deserves it. Please read this book--it's a wonderful story about a young boy, a pair of shoes, and a whole lot of humanity.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching story of a boy who wants the “cool” shoes that everyone else in school is wearing – but Grandma says there’s no room for “wants” only for “needs” and she’s getting him new boots for the winter. When he finally finds a pair of the cool shoes at a thrift store, they are too small but he wants them so badly he squishes his feet into them anyway. Yet, when he meet a kid at school who is wearing shoes taped together and also doesn’t have any room for “wants” the boy makes a selfless decision – and a new friend.

[Christi]

This is the story of a boy who wants the same shoes as everyone else. All the boys in school have those shoes, and Jeremy wants them too. His Grandma says that there's no room for want, only what you need. Still, Jeremy wants the same shoes as everyone he sees walking through the halls or in the lunch line. When his shoes break during kickball, Jeremy needs to use shoes from the guidance counselor. He's upset by the childish velcro shoes, even if they were the only ones in his size. The kids in the class laughed at him, except for Antonio.
When his Grandma takes Jeremy shoe shopping, but those shoes were way too expensive. Jeremy suggests the thrift shop, and takes his Grandma there. They search thrift shops, until they find those shoes. But! They are not the right size, they are way too small. Jeremy buys them anyway with his own money. His Grandma buys him his needed snow boots, and tries to ignore that Jeremy's shoes are too small because he wanted those shoes so badly. One day at school, Jeremy noticed Antonio's shoes were taped up and that Antonio's feet were smaller than his. Antonio and Jeremy play and the go to Jeremy's for dinner. There Antonio sees those shoes, but doesn't understand why Jeremy never wears them to school. Jeremy decides to give Antonio his ill-fitting shoes. Snow is falling, so he puts on his snow boots and runs to secretly give Antonio the shoes. It makes Jeremy happy to see Antonio so happy, even if he still has to wear the velcro shoes. But when it is time for recess, there is snow everywhere and everyone has to wear their snow boots.

The story could be anyone's story. It is the tale of a kid who wanted something and was embarrassed that he did not have it. The story showed realism in the way the Grandma reacted to the price of the popular shoe, the small details of shoes held together by tape. It's a reality that not everyone is completely familiar with, but it's a known reality none-the-less. The story was one of moral dilemma, as Jeremy wanted the shoes but he knew that Antonio needed them more, and could actually fit in them. The multicultural elements of the story come into play with Jeremy and his Grandma and the classmates at Jeremy's school. Jeremy and his Grandma are Black, and the illustrations in the story show the different features of his classmates0 their skin color, hair color, etc. This is not only an example of multicultural literature, it also shows realism by reflecting the different demographics found in most communities.

[Gillianne Litvack]

The short story “Those Shoes” is a charming picture book with a lesson that every child should learn. The story begins with Jeremy and his love for the black shoes with a white stripe. The shoes were his dream, everyone had them and he wanted it. One day at recess, Jeremys shoes break apart and he is forced to use left-over shoes that were stranded at school. Everyone made fun of Jeremys school shoes, but he had no choice but to wear them. After a couple of days, Jeremys grandma begins to notice how upset he is so she offers to go see how expensive these important shoes are. When they go to the store, Grandma see’s the price and knows it’s out of her financial reach so Jeremy suggests a thrift shop. Three thrift shops later Jeremy finds the shoes he wanted, just a little too small. Jeremy forced his feet into the shoes, bought them with his own money and attempted to stretch the out as time went on, but sadly they did not. The next day, his Grandma bought him new black snow boots for the inter season that was coming up. The next day at school, Jeremy realizes the one kid who didn’t laugh at him Antonio, with shoes held together by duct tape. That recess they played ball and Jeremy invited him over for dinner. That night Antonio noticed Jeremys shoes that did not fit him, and loved them just as much as he did. The next day, snow starts falling and Jeremy brings the shoes to Antonio’s to drops them off and run. Rather than being selfish, Jeremy was able to separate his own wants and provide to someone who needs it. This selfless act is important for children to understand especially in society nowadays where people are so concerned with physical objects. Teaching children to be empathetic and caring towards others with expecting nothing in return is a pivotal lesson every kid should grow up knowing. This book shows perfectly while some of us are sitting wanting things that we can’t have, there are others wanting things they need and can’t have.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those shoes is a moving story about a boy that is fascinated with "those shoes", black high-top with two white stripes, but his Grandma can not afford them right now. All Jeremy can dream of is having those shoes. At school he start noticing that all the kids have "those shoes" , but still Grandma can't pay for them. One day, one of Jeremy's shoes comes apart and the school counselor brings a pair of shoes for Jeremy but they are not "those shoes". Jeremy has to wear a pair of velcro shoes in baby blue with a cartoon character. Everyone at school laughed at him except his friend Antonio. Jeremy feels really embarrassed because these are the only shoes he has. But one day, Grandma give him the good news that she saved some money and she can buy him "those shoes", unfortunately "those shoes" are really expensive and they still can not afford them. Grandma and Jeremy decided to go a Thrift Store, to see if he could find "those shoes" after going to many stores, Grandma and Jeremy find them but there is a little problem, they are to small for Jeremy but he is so obsessed with "those shoes" that he buy them anyway! Jeremy is not able to use his shoes because they are to tight but the end of this story is really moving and help us realize several lessons in live. This darling story teach us about needs and wants, friendship, and overall to be happy with what we have and who we are.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard this story through an audio version of the book. It's about a boy named Jeremy who lives with his grandmother. Grandma struggles to make ends meet, and there's no room for wants in their home, only needs. However, Jeremy wants a pair of the shoes that all the other boys at school are wearing. He's never had anything like these shoes, and is dying to buy a pair. The school guidance counselor provides Jeremy with a "new" pair of shoes, the same kind Jeremy's little cousin wears - you can feel the humiliation in those words as he says them. He persuades his grandmother to check out all of the local thrift shops to find the shoes, and indeed they buy a pair at the store, unfortunately they're too small for Jeremy but grandma buys them anyway.
This is the touching story of how Jeremy is impacted by the fact that he's different than his peers because of a lack of financial resources. He lives in a home that is filled with love and nurturing, and he knows how much his grandmother struggles to care for him. Out of the kindness that Jeremy receives, he's able to give kindness to another child in the story in an unexpected turn of events.
I think this is a wonderful story for intermediate aged children. It can be a part of a social emotional unit, or any unit that focuses on empathy and appreciation for people who have different life experiences than our own. I highly recommend it.

[Bpatefieasu.Edu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in Jeremy’s school seems to own a pair of those shoes: the black high tops with two white stripes. Everyone except Jeremy, that is. When he tells his grandmother about the shoes he wants, she tells him that what he needs is a new pair of snow boots. When Jeremy’s own shoes fall apart the school guidance counselor helps him find a pair of shoes from the school donation box. The shoes that fit are blue Velcro shoes made for little kids. Jeremy is embarrassed and all of his classmates tease him, except for one little boy. Jeremy and his grandma venture out in search of those shoes at an affordable price. Finally, he spots them at a thrift store. Even though they’re too small, Jeremy buys them with his own money. Jeremy soon realizes that owning those shoes isn’t as important as helping a friend in need.

Children and adults alike are able to relate to Jeremy as he experiences longing, embarrassment, and the delight that comes with helping others. The themes of poverty, materialism and the value of helping out those in need are expressed in a genuine way without being overly didactic. The illustrations genuinely depict the multicultural characters and many children will feel represented in this story.

[Kali Guest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts is a story about a boy named Jeremy who wants a pair of shoes which every other child at school has. His shoes fall apart and the counselor gives him a rugged pair which fit him, but they aren't the cool shoes he wanted. His grandma decides to take him to look at the shoes, but they are too expensive. The two of them go to thrift shops in hopes of finding a pair, when they do, they are too small. Jeremy buys them anyways, in hopes he might be able to fit in. He then realizes his friend is in need of a new pair of shoes, and he decides to do a good thing and give his shoes away. This teaches him a good lesson about helping others in need. The idea in this story is realistic, because every child has come across something that they wish to have which they do not, and when they get it, even if its a hand me down it feels great. It is also realistic because it takes place in a school setting which is entirely possible. The engaging plot allows children to connect with the ideas of wants and needs, and helping others. This story has the cultural idea about being left out and trying to fit in with everyone by being the same.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text-to-Teaching Connection

Jeremy needs a pair of new shoes, but his grandmother tells him that they barely have enough money for the things they need, much less the things they want. When Jeremy's shoes fall apart the school counselor gives him a pair of used tennis shoes and Jeremy sets out to find a way to get a new pair of shoes. For a response activity our lesson would begin with a discussion about the difference between wants and needs. We would discuss how there are people in our community and all over the world that don’t have enough money for the things they want and struggle to have enough for the things they need. Students will think, pair, share about things they want and need. Using chart paper the students will create a list of the wants and needs that they discussed with their partner. This book is a great way to get children thinking about and understanding poverty.

[Almira · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, I was checking books in at the circulation desk, when this passed through my hands.

During this time, when things are tight for so many folks, this tale of "want vs need" is quite poignant.

"He" wants a pair of black shoes with white stripes, just like all the other boys in his class, but his grandmother is saving to buy him a new pair of boots. The guidance counselor, at his school, finds a pair of "new" blue shoes, that would be fitting for a much younger child, but THEY fit, so.....
When he and his grandmother find a new pair in a thrift shop, which really don't fit, he buys them anyway....

When he sees his friend's shoes, falling apart, he decides to give his "black shoes with the white stripes" to his friend, and off they go to play in the snow.

[Morgan Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was a great lesson for students to not also understand what life is like for someone struggling with poverty, but to help them realize how blessed many of them are with what they have. The main character does everything he can to get a new pair of shoes that will help him fit in at school. But in the end, his friendship was more important than any pair of overrated shoes. This book teaches children another example of what poverty is and how it affects someones life.

[Melissa Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is told in such a way that young readers can connect and relate to the ideas told. The setting of this story is within a school and a boy and his grandmother living in low socio-economic times and there being no other parental guidance for young Jeremy. Great story to allow for an experience of a mirror while reading this book to children who are learning and discovering the things that truly matter in one’s life.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was interesting... I really hate the way brands have influenced how our kids dressed ,Started jackets and Air Jordans come to mind...I do like the way the boy in this story comes to a compromise over the shoes and does another child a good deed. Good lesson here. illustrations are wonderful.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful picturebook that explores the tension between wants and needs when family budgets are tight.

[Lesley Burnap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book to share with your child and/or your class. And a great reminder for teachers about the children who may be in your classroom.

[Denise Lauron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about need vs want, and helping others who need what you can't use anymore.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah... THoSee shOESsS

This book didn't touch me in anyway, though.

[Brianna Willis (EDU 378) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text-to-Teaching Connection

I loved, loved, loved this book. This book was an amazing read, it was, a heartwarming tale about a young child who desires the newest shoes but whose grandmother is unable to get them. His guidance counselor at school gives him a pair of shoes, but his peers taunt him about them because they are intended for a younger child. He develops a connection with a classmate who likewise wears the wrong shoes. Definitely a wonderful book that acknowledges the frustration and sense of unfairness a child feels when they cannot have the things that their friends take for granted and puts the reader in the position of a child living in poverty. Many children have no idea about how other children live. Poverty is not a topic covered enough in the classroom. Teaching empathy and understanding can help children look at their peers in a different light.
I loved it. A reading response activity that I could do in the classroom would be to let my students Brainstorm acts of generosity that they can complete for three friends or family members that they know they will really appreciate. Then have them to go do them! I will ask them to write them down then once the job is complete have that person to sign off on the job or task. We will then come back to school to share ideas or students can design and draw a great pair of shoes that they would love to wear, and Label its features. I will then ask them about the great feature and attributes they have drawn, and why were they drawn.