“Those Shoes” are black high-tops with two white stripes, and it seems as if everybody has them. Everybody but Jeremy, that is. When Jeremy and Grandma go shopping for the winter boots he needs, they take a look at “those shoes,” but they are far too expensive. Then they find a pair at the thrift store—almost new, but too small for Jeremy’s feet. He insists they fit, and when Grandma won’t buy them, Jeremy uses his own money. “I squeeze them on and limp to the bus stop.” In Maribeth Boelts’ achingly realistic story about a young boy who wants something that it simply isn’t possible for his family to provide, Jeremy’s desire is fierce, but so, too, is his reason, and his compassion. Resigned after all to wearing a hand-me-down pair that are an embarrassment, Jeremy finds a way to pass on the too-small pair of “those shoes” to Antonio, a smaller classmate whose need, desire, and pride match his own. Noah Z. Jones’ illustrations set the story of Jeremy, who is black, and Antonio, who is white, in a multiracial urban neighborhood. Highly Commended, 2008 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 5–8)

But all the kids are wearing them! Any child who has ever craved something out of reach will relate to this warm, refreshingly realistic story.

"I have dreams about those shoes. Black high-tops. Two white stripes."

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. But Jeremy’s grandma tells him they don’t have room for "want," just "need," and what Jeremy needs are new boots for winter. When Jeremy’s shoes fall apart at school, and the guidance counselor gives him a hand-me-down pair, the boy 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 comes to realize 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.