What a life experience to which many children can relate, the world
of hand-me-downs. Rigo is the youngest of four boys and a sister. Plus his uncle
from Mexico lives with the family. Rigo doesn’t
like his clothes because they either don’t fit right or are worn out by the time he gets them. Then his mother buys him new shoes, penny loafers, for his birthday.
He puts in nickels and proudly wears them. But the local bully takes the
money. Angry, Rigo puts his new shoes away until months later he wants them for a party.
He discovers he has grown and they hurt his feet. Rigo does a very honorable
thing and gives his uncle the shoes for his new job. He feels good about sharing
and won’t let bullies boss him anymore.
The writing in this book is lively and intimate. Gary Soto’s story
portrays many families in our country, immigrant and native. He shows the generations
caring for each other. It is a touching, meaningful book about family and sharing. School Library Journal says, “This is a gentle and honest story about a close-knit Mexican-American family.”
Throughout the text are Spanish words and phrases with a glossary on the back page.
It is a good book for Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike with which to celebrate family and overcoming fear and anger. It teaches in a pleasant manner.
Terry
Widener’s pictures portray the tone and simpleness of the story line. Publisher’s
Weekly says, “Widener's highly stylized paintings combine creamy color tones and dynamic shapes. The buoyancy of
the art enhances the story's liveliness.” School Library Journal
had this to say, “The uncluttered illustrations use bold colors and clean lines, which make the images simple and strong.”
The artwork definitely adds a pleasant dimension to this story. Booklist says, “Children will enjoy Widener's computer-generated, cartoon-style art, in bright colors and
bold, clear shapes.”
Kenton, Linda M. Review of If
the Shoe Fits in School Library Journal.
Available from:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=8y6U6P2AoG&isbn=0399234209&itm=5#REV. Accessed 22
September 2004
2001. Review of If the Shoe Fits in Publisher’s Weekly. Available from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=8y6U6P2AoG&isbn=0399234209&itm=5#REV. Accessed 22
September 2004
Rochman, Hazel. Review of If the Shoe Fits in Booklist. Available
from:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0399234209//qid=1095630711/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-3926711-3700639?v=glance&s=books&vi=reviews. Accessed 22
September 2004
