Those Shoes

School is a tough place to be if you don’t have the latest footwear. Jeremy can’t afford those shoes and the other kids make fun of the ridiculous kids' pair Mr Alfrey gave him from his box of cast-offs. His only hope is that maybe, just maybe, the too-small pair he found in the charity shop might miraculously stretch to fit. But there is one kid who doesn’t make fun of Jeremy’s shoes: Tony Parker. Then Jeremy sees that Tony’s shoes are falling apart and he has smaller feet – and he has a hard decision to make...

Maribeth Boelts is a former preschool teacher and the author of many books for children. Jeremy’s story was inspired by kids she’s worked with as a school volunteer, mentor, and coach in her community. She says, "I have often been touched by the generosity I’ve witnessed in children, and their willingness to share, even when it’s tough to do so. These selfless acts have a way of shaping lives." Maribeth lives in Cedar Falls, USA.