Summary
This book follows the journey of a boy and his father walking from El Salvador to his mother in the United States. Before starting the journey, his mother sends him new pair of shoes. The shoes become an imaginative piece of the story. The shoes become race cars that carry him quickly and elephants that push against the wind. Although the shoes lose their newness and shine, they are used to show the hardships many children go through to make it to their families, wanting a better life.
Theme(s):
Loss, Friendship, Family
Personal Response
This is a very moving story. When thinking about immigrants making the journey to the United States, I feel that many, myself included, forget that there are often children coming along with their families. I also made the connection that many times families need to be separated for extended periods because they can’t travel or come together. I feel like this shows the sacrifices that many families are willing to make to ensure a better future for their children.
Teaching Ideas
When applying this book to my classroom, I would want to do an activity of being in another person’s shoes. I would have students participate in a research project about people immigrating to the United States by foot. Their final presentation would be them role-playing and moving through multiple hardships that many go through, including the challenges of crossing the boarder, backpacking materials, gaining access to food and water, and navigating the United States once they have made it.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 03, Grade 04, Grade 05
