Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts is one of those books that everyone needs to read! I loved any and everything about this book. I thought the story line was honest and gave a positive message for children to learn. It is a story dealing with friendship and sharing. The main character Jeremy wants to fit in and have the "cool shoes" like everyone else in the class, but is unable to afford them. After receiving embarrassing little kids shoes from the guidance counselor he become extremely embarrassed. He eventually finds and buys the "cool shoes" at a thrift store, but are too small for him. After becoming friends with a boy from class he realizes how fortunate he really is to have any shoes that fit at all and selflessly gives his new shoes to his friend who is in more need than himself. I think the reason I loved this book so much is because there is so much you can do with it with your students. Rather the students can personally relate to this situation or that they are lucky enough to never have to deal with finical troubles every student gains something from this book. It helps bring awareness to students that not everyone can afford everything they want and also shows students who have dealt with similar situations that they are not alone. Another aspect of this book that I liked was that not although the main character was black and went along with the common stereotype of being less fortunate the other character is white, which helps misconstrue the common stereotype and makes it more relatible to all students. I think this a great book and think all elementary school teachers should take the time to read this to their students and take the time to talk about and discuss socioeconomic problems.