Those Shoes
By Maribeth Boelts
The Story
A boy longs for the popular shoes everyone at school is wearing, even squeezing into a too-small thrift-store pair, until he learns what really matters isn't what he wants but what he already has.
Why It's Special
For the kid who feels the sting of not having what everyone else has, this book puts that ache — and the way through it — right on the page.
- Big idea: Wanting and needing aren't the same thing, and the people who care for you matter more than what's on your feet.
- Vibes: Grounded, tender, and quietly honest about money, pride, and generosity.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on telling the difference between wanting and needing
- respond well to stories about fitting in at school
- are learning generosity and sharing with friends
- enjoy honest stories grounded in everyday life
Ask Your Little Reader
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Jeremy felt when his old shoes fell apart at school?
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Jeremy squeezed into shoes that were too small for him?
- Real-life connection: Has there ever been something everyone else had that you really wanted too?
- Character choices: What did Jeremy's grandma mean when she said there's room for 'need' but not always for 'want'?
- Imagination: If a friend needed help the way Jeremy's friend did, what could you do for them?
