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Maribeth Boelts
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Those Shoes Paperback – Picture Book, June 9, 2009

by Maribeth Boelts (Author), Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,320 ratings
Teachers' pick
See all formats and editions
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"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.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3 - 8 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD550L
  6. Dimensions
    10.25 x 0.18 x 9.88 inches
  7. Publisher
    Candlewick
  8. Publication date
    June 9, 2009
  9. ISBN-10
    0763642843
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0763642846
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

economic diversity, social emotional learning, picture book, envy, what's important, acceptance
economic diversity, social emotional learning, picture book, envy, what's important, acceptance

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick; Reprint edition (June 9, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0763642843
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0763642846
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 8 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD550L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.25 x 0.18 x 9.88 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,320 ratings

About the author

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Maribeth Boelts

Maribeth Boelts

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Maribeth Boelts lives in Iowa and has been writing for children for over 25 years. Her titles, "Those Shoes", "Happy Like Soccer", "A Bike Like Sergio's" and "Before You Were Mine" have won a number of awards, with "Those Shoes" in its 30th printing. An early reader from Random House, "The Gingerbread Pup", as well as two picture books, "Kaia and the Bees" and "The Purple Puffy Coat" with Candlewick Press, have recently been published. A former teacher, Maribeth loves meeting and encouraging kids to read and write. "It is, in equal parts, an enthralling and confusing quest trying to crack the code on what makes a child pull a book off the shelf and continue turning the page. Figuring out what makes that same child laugh, feel understood or inspired is what keeps this career ever- interesting. I am so grateful for every reader, and potential new writer."

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
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2,320 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States

connie
5.0 out of 5 stars Teaches compassion
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
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My 8 year old granddaughter liked the book
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Chris Viehdeffer
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2023
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This book is amazing for the classroom! It's a great way to teach about not all families having alot of money! This book is a 10 out of 10 and you'll regret not buying it.
2 people found this helpful
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JS
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved by students
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
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Fourth graders loved this book. Great to use as a model for a "baby literary" essay.
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S. Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars A special book
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023
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A beautiful quiet story about what matters. Actually made me tear up.
One person found this helpful
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jerry
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Product!!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2023
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Gift for my daughter's classroom!
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E. Wiest
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read for preschool and elementary aged kids
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2017
Verified Purchase
My sons are 5 and 7 and this book was just right for them. It addresses privilege, giving to others, and being appreciative of what you have. In the story the main character cannot afford the latest shoes that all the kids at school are wearing. Spoiler alert- The main character finds the exact shoes he wants at the thrift store but they're a size too small. In the end he gives them to another boy who also can't afford new shoes. Very heartwarming. The main character also decides to be appreciative of the new boots his grandma was able to buy for him.
2 people found this helpful
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kira
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2016
Verified Purchase
I am a school social worker for an elementary school. The kids love this book. They can relate to it. I use it to teach them to be considerate and mindful about the economic situations of others that may not be as fortunate. It also has a very powerful message at the end that teaches children about selflessly giving to others.
27 people found this helpful
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Ronan’s Mama
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book with a good message
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
I really like this book and so does my son. It shares a message of giving to the less fortunate and realizing and being thankful for our own relative good luck. But listen, my kid is 17 months and he doesn’t understand any of that yet—so for his purposes, it has nice colors and illustrations and the occasional dinosaur (it’s key in the enjoyment of any book).

Please don’t let critical reviews dissuade you from getting this for your kid if you were considering it. These reviewers are dead set on being offended by something because it proves that they’re woke. They have no chill.

Please have some chill. And buy the book.
15 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Maria Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, moving story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful story to read to children because it really gets into their world. It reflects the fact that children desperately want to fit in, and so often this can get expressed as a fixation on getting 'the latest thing'. I could barely read it towards the end because I had to hold back the tears. A gorgeous book!
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olivia
5.0 out of 5 stars My sons love this book
Reviewed in Germany on August 29, 2020
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my kids to add some more diversity in to their book collection and I can't be sure which part of the story it is they love, but all three of them (4, 5 and 7 years) LOVE this book and we read so often, even after having it a year!
And it's a great one to open up a number of interesting conversations about various social issues.
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paramjeet
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for kids
Reviewed in India on July 7, 2018
Verified Purchase
Extremely well written and illustrated... Teaches but not preaches.... Empathy, compassion, kindness are depicted along with a peek into the reality of a small boy
One person found this helpful
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Angie
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for kids about kindness and empathy.
Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2016
Verified Purchase
I ordered this book for my elementary school library. It is a wonderful story about empathy and sharing with others. Delivery was super fast. Thanks!
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Deanne Cumming
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book about virtues
Reviewed in Australia on March 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
This book is great to read to kids
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