Those Shoes
by Maribeth Boelts, Noah Z. Jones
Candlewick Press 2009
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- wants vs needs
- empathy
- friendship
- generosity
- peer pressure
- family
- economic hardship
- gratitude
About this book
Jeremy really wants the cool black high-tops everyone at school is wearing, but his grandma reminds him they need to focus on essentials. When he spots a pair at a thrift store, he has to decide what matters most—fitting in or making a thoughtful choice. This warmly illustrated story invites conversations about wants versus needs, kindness, and empathy. Perfect for K–3 read‑alouds, it resonates with kids because it feels real and centers on shoes, school, and friendship.
Setting: contemporary urban neighborhood and elementary school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Those Shoes right for my child?
Yes — Those Shoes is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.1, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include wants vs needs, empathy, friendship.
How long does it take to read Those Shoes?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Those Shoes takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Those Shoes have an AR quiz?
Yes — Those Shoes has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Those Shoes?
Those Shoes has an AR reading level of 3.1, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.