Those Shoes read-aloud

Summary

In 'Those Shoes,' a young boy longs for a pair of trendy black high-top shoes to fit in with his classmates. Despite financial struggles, his grandmother buys him boots instead. When the boy receives shoes from the school counselor, his peers mock him, except for one kind friend, Antonio. Eventually, the boy decides to give his coveted shoes to Antonio, whose shoes are in worse condition. The story highlights themes of selflessness, empathy, and the realization that material possessions do not define one's worth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jeremy dreams of owning a pair of stylish black high-top shoes with white stripes, but his grandmother insists he needs winter boots instead.
• 😀 At school, Jeremy feels left out as other kids, like Brandon T, Nate, Alan, and Terence, wear the shoes he desires.
• 😀 Jeremy's old shoes break during kickball, and Mr. Alfred, the guidance counselor, provides him with a pair of Velcro shoes with cartoon animals on them, which other kids laugh at.
• 😀 Jeremy's grandmother encourages him to be grateful for the kindness of Mr. Alfred, but Jeremy struggles with embarrassment over his new shoes.
• 😀 Grandma tries to buy Jeremy the shoes he wants, but the high price at the store discourages them.
• 😀 Jeremy and his grandmother visit multiple thrift shops, finally finding a pair of high-top shoes that almost fit but are too small.
• 😀 Despite the shoes being too tight, Jeremy buys them with his own money, but continues to wear his Velcro shoes to school.
• 😀 Jeremy notices that Antonio, a classmate, has a taped-up shoe, and the two bond over their shared struggles with footwear.
• 😀 After thinking about Antonio, Jeremy decides to give him the shoes that he had hoped to wear, leaving them anonymously at Antonio's doorstep.
• 😀 Antonio shows up at school with the shoes, and Jeremy feels both happy and frustrated by his choice to give them away.
• 😀 Later, when the teacher announces that students must wear snow boots for recess, Jeremy realizes he has a brand new pair of boots, never worn before, and finds joy in sharing a moment of camaraderie with Antonio.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the story?

The main theme of the story is about desire, self-worth, and the complexities of social status, particularly through the lens of a child who longs for a pair of shoes that symbolize status and acceptance.

What do the shoes symbolize for the protagonist?

The shoes symbolize not only a desire for material possession but also a longing for social acceptance, validation, and the hope to be seen as 'cool' or 'worthy' in the eyes of others.

How does the protagonist's relationship with his grandmother shape the narrative?

The protagonist’s relationship with his grandmother is central to the narrative, as she represents love, sacrifice, and practical wisdom. While she cannot afford to buy the shoes he wants, she tries to provide for his needs in other ways, showing the balance between desire and reality.

What role does Mr. Alfred play in the story?

Mr. Alfred, the guidance counselor, provides shoes to kids in need. He offers a practical solution to the protagonist's footwear problem but inadvertently becomes a source of humiliation when the protagonist’s classmates laugh at his shoes.

How does the protagonist react to the new shoes from Mr. Alfred?

The protagonist is embarrassed and hurt when he receives shoes from Mr. Alfred, as they are not the stylish shoes he had hoped for. He feels self-conscious and upset, especially when his classmates mock him.

What do the thrift store visits reveal about the protagonist’s feelings?

The thrift store visits highlight the protagonist’s desperation and hope, as he imagines finding the shoes he wants through luck. However, when the shoes he finds are too small, it underscores the painful reality that he cannot afford the things he desires.

What is the significance of the interaction between the protagonist and Antonio?

The interaction between the protagonist and Antonio reveals a quiet solidarity between the two. Antonio, who doesn’t laugh at the protagonist's shoes, becomes the recipient of the protagonist’s kindness, as the protagonist later gives him the shoes he had wanted.

What does the protagonist learn from giving the shoes to Antonio?

The protagonist learns the value of selflessness and empathy. By giving Antonio the shoes, he experiences the joy of helping someone else, while also letting go of his own desire for material possessions in a moment of personal growth.

How does the ending of the story reflect the theme of self-acceptance?

At the end of the story, when the protagonist dons his new boots and runs with Antonio, he has made peace with his earlier desires. He has accepted that what he truly needs is not the 'right' pair of shoes, but a sense of belonging and friendship.

How does the recurring mention of shoes contribute to the narrative?

The recurring mention of shoes acts as a metaphor for the protagonist's social standing, desires, and feelings of inadequacy. Each pair of shoes represents a different stage in the protagonist's emotional and personal journey throughout the story.