Sam Bennett's New Shoes

March 1, 2006
Gr 1-4 -A traveling cobbler makes Sam Bennett some new shoes. They are too big, but he grows into them. As the seasons progress, he helps his family in many ways, including feeding the livestock, planting crops, carrying water, and assisting in the sheep shearing. He also plays in the snow, hangs out with his family, and travels to town for the first time. Sam grows not only into his new shoes but also into his new responsibilities as a young man. Thermes -s tale is chock-full of historical facts and tidbits. Her detailed illustrations show much about 18th-century life but stay focused on the central narrative. An author -s note explains that hidden shoes in the walls of old houses, called concealments, inspired the story. This title can be used as an educational tool or simply as an enjoyable read-aloud." -Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.