Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. But Jeremy's grandma says he needs new boots for winter. Soon Jeremy realizes that the things he has are worth more than the things he wants. Full color.

Reviews

K-Gr 3-Maribeth Boelts's award-winning picture book (Candlewick, 2007) offers a kid's-eye view of shoe envy as well as a message about generosity. A giant billboard featuring black high-top sneakers with white stripes looms above the street and the power of persuasive advertising affects all the children in an inner city school. Everyone wants to own a pair, including Jeremy. But his Grandma says, "There's no room for want around here, just need." Jeremy's shoes rip during a kickball game, and he must wear cast-off shoes provided by the school counselor. His classmates' jeers and laughter are painful. Jeremy visits a thrift shop and finds a discounted pair of "those" sneakers, and buys them even though they are a size too small. When they fail to stretch and his feet hurt, he gives them to his friend. While he doesn't get what he wants, he gets what he needs-a friend. Noah Z. Jones's pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations are scanned iconographically. Boelts narrates in a clear voice and hip music by Eric Miller complements the text. While the author's narration is fine, an African-American male might have been more effective in voicing Jeremy. In a Conversation with the Author, Boelts discusses her purpose in writing the book. A poignant look at the themes of economic hardship, fitting in, the power of advertising, and friendship.-Lonna Pierce, MacArthur Elementary School, Binghamton, NY Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.