Those Shoes

Jeremy wants a pair of black high-tops with white stripes that all his classmates are wearing. His grandmother cannot afford to buy them, as Jeremy needs winter boots instead. At the thrift store, Jeremy spots the coveted shoes and convinces his grandmother to let him spend his own money on them, even though they're too small. He squeezes his feet into them despite the pain. Jeremy notices his classmate Antonio wearing taped-up shoes and must make a decision about what matters most. The story follows his internal struggle between wanting to fit in and doing what feels right. This picture book explores themes of empathy, generosity, and the difference between wants and needs. Through Jeremy's experiences, readers contemplate peer pressure, economic hardship, and what it means to make difficult choices.

Readers consistently cite this book as an effective way to teach children about empathy, gratitude, and economic differences. Parents and teachers report it creates meaningful discussions with kids about wants versus needs. Readers appreciated: - The realistic portrayal of financial struggles - The main character's relatable feelings about fitting in - Clear message without being preachy - Illustrations that capture emotions - Usefulness in classroom settings Main criticisms: - Some found the ending predictable - A few mentioned it could make children from low-income families feel self-conscious Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,900+ ratings) Multiple teachers noted using it during character education lessons. One librarian wrote: "Students immediately connect with Jeremy's desire for the shoes and understand his ultimate choice." A parent reviewer stated: "My 7-year-old asked to read it three times and it led to great conversations about helping others."

A Bike Like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts A boy wrestles with his conscience after finding money that would allow him to buy the bicycle he wants.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson Students learn about the impact of excluding a classmate who cannot afford new clothes.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña A grandmother helps her grandson see the beauty in their bus rides and simple life while others have cars and more possessions.

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes A classroom of students discovers the consequences of teasing a girl who wears the same dress to school each day.

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell A student learns to understand her classmate's need to dream big despite his family's economic circumstances.

🌟 Author Maribeth Boelts was inspired to write this story after observing students at the elementary school where she volunteered, noticing how shoes could be both a source of pride and tension among children. 👟 The book addresses themes of wants versus needs, a topic that resonates with both children and adults - especially during challenging economic times. 💝 The story's main character chooses to give his too-small shoes to a friend in need, reflecting real-life situations where children have been known to share or donate their shoes to help others. 🎨 Illustrator Noah Z. Jones used a combination of paint and digital techniques to create the book's distinctive artwork, particularly emphasizing the coveted black high-tops with white stripes. 🏆 Those Shoes has won multiple awards and is frequently used in elementary school curricula to teach empathy, generosity, and financial literacy to young students.