Summer won't be a complete hiatus. I hope you're a regular subscriber and continue to receive my summer posts. For me, summer is time to take advantage of some kidlit conferences and I will be posting about those. I will also post reviews that beg not to wait! Like today's.
Title: NEW SHOES
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Publisher: Holiday House, 2015
Intended Age: 6-9 (I believe it is suitable for younger readers)
Theme: Segregation, Historical Fiction, shoes
Opening Line: My cousin Charlotte hands me the package
as we stand outside Johnson's Shoes.
"If you could have any shoes in the window,
I ask, "which ones would you choose?"
Synopsis: An African American girl, Ella Mae, and her cousin find a creative solution after Ella Mae learns that African Americans can't try on shoes at the store like the white customers do.
What I Like About this Book: The author took the tough subject of Jim Crow laws and made a beautiful, believable story. No preaching, just a wonderful thoughtful look at life in the southern United States during the mid-twentieth century. The story doesn't attach a specific date to the narrative, but the characters' clothing and a car in the first spread suggests the 1950's.An author's note on the final page gives historical perspective.
Best of all, Ella Mae is an engaging, curious, and proactive character. Her solution to a bad situation isn't to whine or complain, but to make a positive change for the community.
Resources:
- The publisher has an educator's guide and four classroom discussion questions with Common Core Standard references.
- Read an interview with the illustrator here. What life lesson does he hope you take from the story NEW SHOES?
- Ask the reader if they would buy new shoes without trying them on? Why or why not? (I bought a pair of Mexican huaraches through the mail using the same foot outline technique that Ella Mae's mother demonstrates in the store!)
- Talk about different ways you can react when someone discriminates against you.
- Older readers may be curious to learn more about segregation and Jim Crow laws. Scholastic has an article for teachers. The website "Ducksters" also has information for kids.
- Discuss what you do with old clothing and shoes. Do you treat "grown-out" and "worn-out" clothes differently?
- Think of something that is important enough to want to earn money for it. What kinds of things can a child do? Kids who are old enough may enjoy hearing about Alex's lemonade stand.
Thanks for stopping by!
Another book I really would love to read. I love historical fiction that is done well. Had not thought about the fact African Americans in the South couldn't try on shoes. I grew up in the 50s and remember visiting relatives in the South and being shocked by the attitudes and what I saw. Growing up in the North, we didn't see things like this. So it was very confusing for me.
ReplyDeleteIt is often the simplest things that are most poignant to me. Thanks for stopping by, Pat!
DeleteI checked this book out of the library when we were doing ReFoReMo and WNDB. It's a great story and gives kids a perspective on racism that is tangible. I love how resourceful the girls are. Great book!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jilanne!
DeleteOh I cannot wait to get my hands on this one; looks like a perfect fit for an empathy lesson with my middle-grade students! Thanks much.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I love when a good book goes into classrooms!
DeleteI still get a kick out of new shoes - sometimes a blister too! Ha! Looks great, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI may be the only female that doesn't like to shoe shop. Probably because I have small feet and there is little in my size. And I know this from--trying them on!
DeleteWow, I am always learning new things about this period of African American history. Most of why I have learnt has been through wonderful picture books like this.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I don't think my education is close to 50% complete yet.
DeleteI remember getting new shoes for the first day of school every year. This book takes you back in time, for sure, and tells a good story.
ReplyDeleteIt is a tradition that many of us take for granted.
DeleteBeautiful book, engaging story. Reminds me of when I was ten years old and had a penfriend in the lower US area I wrote to for a couple of years until I sent a pair of tiny maori dolls as a Christmas gift.. Never heard from her again. We were totally floored at the time. Must check this one out. Thanks Wendy.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if pen pals are all online now??! I used to wait for real mail from mine, too.
DeleteNice pick. I hadn't heard about this book yet. I"m always looking to study writers' skill with history and historical fiction. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love a good mentor text!
DeleteThis sounds amazing. Kids will learn a lot from it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erik! In addition to enjoying the story, I hope so. :)
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