Those Shoes

by Maribeth Boelts, Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator)

Overview

"In this witty, wise picture book, Boelts presents a kid’s-eye view of a consumer fad that rages through school at gale force." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he 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 soon sees 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780606085472
Publisher:	Perfection Learning Corporation
Publication date:	04/04/2019
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	159,810
Product dimensions:	10.20(w) x 9.70(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD550L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Maribeth Boelts is a former preschool teacher who has written numerous books for children. She lives in Iowa with her husband and three children.

Noah Z. Jones is the illustrator of NOT NORMAN: A GOLDFISH STORY, THE MONSTER IN THE BACKPACK, and WELCOME TO THE BED AND BISCUIT. He lives in Maine.

Editorial Reviews

K-Gr 3
Jeremy desperately wants a pair of advertised sneakers. "I have dreams about those shoes. Black high-tops. Two white stripes." In fact, some of his classmates already own them. However, money is tight, and his grandmother reminds him that there is a difference between what he wants and what he needs (he needs winter boots). He buys with his own money a used pair of the cool sneakers even though they are too small, saying "sometimes shoes stretch," but ends up with bandage-covered feet. This story exposes the value many children place on wearing the same cool clothing as or fitting in with the in-crowd; however, a message of generosity shines through when Jeremy gives his prized sneakers to a friend in need who has smaller feet. Illustrations done in pencil, ink, and watercolors effectively depict the grays and browns of the wintertime inner-city setting, the institutional greens and blues of the school, and the warm hues of this African-American home. The characters' faces, drawn with thin lines, wide-set eyes, and a variety of skin tones, are expressive. A poignant, thought-provoking book.
—Kirsten CutlerCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

The hottest fad can also be the most expensive and out of reach for children in limited financial circumstances. Jeremy, living with his Grandma, dreams of wearing the latest cool black high-tops with two white stripes. But as Grandma points out, "There's no room for ‘want' around here-just ‘need' " and what Jeremy needs and gets is a new pair of winter boots. Jeremy's quest for new sneakers takes on more urgency when his old pair fall apart, and the only choice is the Velcro baby-blue set meant for little kids found in the school's donation box by the guidance counselor. Even Grandma understands and together they search several thrift shops and actually find the coveted black high-tops, but they're too small. Buying them anyway, Jeremy makes a heartfelt decision to put them to a more practical and generous use. Boelts blends themes of teasing, embarrassment and disappointment with kindness and generosity in a realistic interracial school scenario bringing affecting closure to a little boy's effort to cope in a world filled with materialistic attractions and distractions. Muted browns/greens/blues done in watercolors, pencils and ink, and digitally arranged, add to the story's expressive affirmation of what is really important. (Picture book. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews

Boelts blends themes of teasing, embarrassment and disappointment with kindness and generosity in a realistic interracial school scenario.
—Kirkus Reviews

Maribeth Boelts has a good eye for how the shoes bestow value at school and how Jeremy feels wearing an uncool pair. Much to discuss, especially in the ending.
—Chicago Tribune

Whether children are on the shoe-owning or the shoe-envying side of the economic line, they can sympathize with Jeremy and rejoice in the way he eventually resolves his problem with his too-small shoes.
—The Horn Book

Jones’ autumn-toned illustrations wonderfully complement Boelts’ sweet-natured main characters and non-didactic life lesson.
—Booklist

A wonderful story of sharing, this important book conveys what is most important in life.
—Kendal Rautzhan’s “Books to Borrow, Books to Buy” column

A touching story about how a life short on money can be big on love, good values, and friendship.
—Young Children

Maribeth Boelts introduces young readers to [a] complex issue with kindness and finesse.
—Grand Rapids Press

In this witty, wise picture book Boelts presents a kids-eye view of a consumer fad that rages through school at gale force.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

A poignant, thought-provoking book.
—School Library Journal

A contemporary urban story that shows the spirit of sharing with economy of language and superior craftsmanship.
—Contra Costa Times

Peer pressure, overwhelming desire, and the acceptance of what is really needed are played out in this story that is duplicated in schools around the country.
—Library Media Connection

From the Publisher