Meyer,
Susan Lynn. New Shoes. Holiday House 2015 32 $16.95 ISBN 978-0-8234-2528-0
elem Historical fiction VG-BNe
In this beautifully illustrated
piece of historical fiction, a pair of young African-American girls, dismayed
that they are not permitted to try on shoes in a store, take action by opening
their own shoe store where customers of any race may try on the shoes before
taking them home (after paying a nickel and a pair of outgrown shoes). It is an interesting
and sensitive treatment of a practice that many young people may be unaware ever existed
in the United States, since it took place more than five decades ago and is a
seemingly minor detail that historians tend to either overlook or deem unworthy of
note. For older readers,
particularly those too young to have lived during the age of Jim Crow laws, the
idea that African-Americans were not even allowed to try on shoes and clothing
may come as a surprise, but for readers of all ages it encourages discussion
with older members of the family and the community who may recall similar
details not generally included in history texts.
Summary: An interesting look at one of the mid-twentieth century Jim Crow
laws modern youths may be unaware of, accompanied by lovely illustrations.
African-American
History --Bethany
Geleskie
