SuitabookThe Wrong Shoes
Tom Percival
- Reading
- Read alongside the child if possible, pausing to discuss feelings about standing out rather than treating poverty as a personal failing. Afterwards, explore what empathy looks like in practical situations.
- Themes
- Poverty and dignity: Will has unsuitable shoes and a poor-quality coat, and feels different at home and school. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Friendship and empathy: Friends’ help and empathy are presented as potentially important to Will finding confidence. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- The portrayal may be emotionally affecting because Will feels he sticks out and struggles across home and school. The ending and the extent of his difficulties remain unclear.