New Shoes by Susan Meyer - ESSENTIAL

Meyer, Susan Lynn New Shoes, illustrated by Eric Velasquez.  PICTURE BOOK.  Holiday House, 2015.  $17.  Content: G.  

When Ella Mae needs a new pair of shoes, she is embarrassed by the way she is treated in the shoe store, not allowed to try on the shoes, but only giving the shop keeper a paper tracing of her foot.  She and her cousin Charlotte come up with an idea to let herself, her family, and her neighbors shop for shoes with dignity.

While this is not a true story, the indignity, the ingenuity, and the sense of community ring true to the experiences of African Americans.  

EL – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher