A witty and wise picture book, presented from a kid's-eye view of a consumer fad that rages through a school. All Jeremy, the main character, wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy's grandma says they don't have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren't much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has -- warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend -- are worth more than the things he wants. The author cleverly blends themes of teasing, embarrassment and disappointment with kindness and generosity in a realistic interracial school scenario. Suitable for ages 6 - 8 years.