Customer Reviews

In Jesse's Shoes

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4 star:		(1)
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I've worked with lots of children who have special needs and read many books intended to help other kids understand them, but this is definitely one of the best. Told from the point of view of Jesse's sister, it has a real story line and isn't at all preachy-teachy.

In Jesse's Shoes is a story told from the perspective of the older sister, Allie. Allie loves her brother Jesse very much, but struggles with having a brother that is just "wired differently," as her parents told her. She has the responsibility of walking her brother to his school bus each morning. Jesse did not always cooperate and easily got sidetracked. Allie saw other kids snickering and laughing at the way her brother Jesse acted.

Allie loved her brother but just wanted him to be more "normal" around her friends. One day after school she blurted out to her Dad that she just did not understand Jesse, and her Dad responded by saying, "Of course you don't understand him, you have not walked in his shoes."

The next day when Allie met Jesse after school, Jesse bent down took his shoes off and told Allie to walk in his shoes. That is exactly what Allie did, all the way home.

Having the chance to view things as Jesse did, Allie found the courage to stick up for her brother to her friends.

I highly recommend this book. It is a children's book, but many adults could benefit from reading it also. In fact after I received it in the mail, my 13-year-old plopped on the couch and read the book all the way through. I asked him what he thought of the book, and he said, "Mom, this is the best book I have read in awhile."

The illustrations are beautiful and the book will leave a lump in your throat. Sometimes we just don't understand until we walk in another person's shoes.

This is a lovely book but not to be read in a multicultural, non-denominational classroom without editing. There are several references to God being responsible for Jesse's differences, choosing his sister wisely, etc. Had I known about the religious content in advance, I would not have ordered the book as I was shopping specifically for classroom resources. This important information should be included in the product description.

I wept when I read it. So many lines about Jesse fit perfectly with my sons' situation, too. Thanks!

This book will touch your spirit at any age and remind you of the value of difference. If you are young it will tell you how to respect others that are not the same and teach you how they fit in your world. If you are old it will tell you how others need space when you are different because they fear where they are going. Read it at any age and you will grow.

I heard about this book on Dr Laura, which she read in it's entirety on her show. I ordered it Monday and received it Thursday from Amazon. My niece is a first grade teacher and intends to read it to her class. It's short and to the point and one story I will read to my grandchildren (if I ever have any. (that's a hint to my son))

This story is timeless. It is told in a way only Lewis can tell, and has such a powerful message for our children - and for us.

In a fast paced world where nobody has time for "different," these children learn that sometimes different is good, and can bless you beyond your dreams.

As a mother of 4 children all under 12, I plan on reading In Jesse's Shoes to my children again and again. And I plan on spending some time talking to them about kindness, compassion, and acceptance. About walking in someone elses shoes before you judge or mock them.

Sometimes the BEST surprises come in the most unlikely packages. Like finding a great book in a brown box at the post office, or discovering love and compassion in a brother with special needs.

Trish Berg
Author, Book Reviewer
www.TrishBerg.com

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Do people act differently than you think they should? Are you one of those people who judge others before you get to know someone? Or, are you influenced by what other people say about a person rather than getting to know them first?

Allie has an older brother Jesse who stares at things such as ladybugs, rain puddles and honeysuckle blossoms. She gets tired of always waiting for him. She has to try to keep him moving so he doesn't miss the school bus. She challenges Jesse to try and catch up with Marcus Anderson. Other kids all call him a "dummy" which upsets Allie and she is referred to as the "dummy's sister." Jesse encourages Allie to walk in Jesse's shoes. She tries them on and discovers some valuable information. A new girl comes to their school and she knows what Allie does. God makes everyone special and has made everyone in the way which He wanted to.

"In Jesse's Shoes" is an excellent book for kids of all ages to learn that differences in people are a part of life. Everyone is special in God's eyes. I loved this book and want to keep it and use it in my classroom when I am a teacher someday. I think is a must read for all kids so they learn to accept others for their uniqueness and abilities.

Note from Brianne's mother: Brianne was anxious to read "In Jesse's Shoes" as soon as it arrived. She loves to read books with a great meaning and references to God. If only everyone would learn to accept other's differences the world would be a better place!

Book received free of charge.

I really like this book and my kids do too. It's very touching and the first time my husband read it to the kids it made him cry because it so replicates some of the things that are going on with us. Great for siblings!