Customer Reviews

Salt In His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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I saw Deloris Jordan and Roslyn Jordan interviewed on one of the morning shows and was anxious to get this book and share it with my second graders. I was not disappointed. I'm always looking for real life role models to tell the kids about and Michael Jordan and his determination to achieve his dream really fit the bill. It had so many elements in it that are important for today's kids...ignoring bullies, looking to your families for support, not giving up, keeping your eye on a dream, knowing what you want in life. I hope that my students remember the lessons taught in this fine story and at least begin to learn what can be achieved.

I had the privelege of meeting Mrs. Jordan and Roslyn at a recent booksigning in Chicago. To hear both these amazing ladies speak, was inspirational and makes one realize that Michael Jordan's family is also the salt of the earth. Futhermore, in their remarks, they stressed how they are just an ordinary family who happened to raise an extraordinary talent; however, their family was, and continues to be, the source of his strength, determination, and self-confidence. Not only is the story told in "Salt in His Shoes" inspiring to children, it has basic lessons to which a person of any age can relate. The book is wonderfully illustrated, and the text is lively and endearing. How wonderful that Mrs. Jordan and Roslyn shared this family story with us, emphasizing that while Michael was the center of the story, the lessons of the book go beyond Michael Jordan because it is all about family.

This is a wonderful story -- and would be even if it weren't about such a star -- about a scrawny little kid who keeps trying and trying and trying, all the while encouraged by his very loving family. I bought it because I loved the jacket and the illustrations -- but am reading it again and again to my little boy because he always asks to hear it. It's inspiring and funny and just a neat book.

This book was about Michael Jordan, the basketball player. As a youth, he wasn't confident about his skills as a player. He was concerned about his height, and he complained to his mother about it. His mother told him to pray and put salt in his shoes. Michael wondered how the salt can cause him to grow. He believed his mother should know how to make him grow, because she had skill in raising flowers. Mother sprinkled salt in his shoes. Michael's growth was slow in coming. He gained his confidence back when he shot the winning points in a basketball game before he grew an inch. Michael grew to reach the height of six-foot-six-inches, and he became a basketball star!

Wow! The illustrations in this book are amazing. I looked through the pages several times to look at the pictures. I think the illustrator did a wonder job drawing the people. The muscles in the arms and legs were the work of a skilled artist! The text is inspiring to young people.

Michael Jordan has made many leaps and bounds in his career. He's gone from a huge basketball player to a successful baseball player. "Salt in his Shoes" is a great book because it explains how Michael never gave up. The lesson is great and the illustrations are amazing.
In the book, Michael never gave up, and he was determined. This helped him win the game. He also believed in himself. Even though he wasn't that tall, his passion for the game meant more. Michael has also been very successful. He was on a famous basketball and baseball team.
We think this story is wonderful because it teaches a great lesson, to never give up. Also, to believe in yourself. It shows that if you keep trying, you can become anything you want. Also, the pictures are vivid and colorful.

One might imagine that legendary basketball star Michael Jordan was born with a boatload of confidence. That was not the case. "Salt in His Shoes", written by Jordan's mother Deloris and sister Rosalyn, tells an early chapter in the life of the athlete as he struggles to come to terms with his lack of height. Playing when he could with older brothers Larry and Ronnie, Michael is intimidated by a much taller boy named Mark. Every time that he plays against Mark's team, the Jordan boys lose.

Michael goes home complaining to his mother, wishing that he could be a little taller. Mother tells him that all she has to do is pray and put salt in his shoes. Michael's young mind wonders how the salt can cause him to grow, but he figures that his mother's skill with raising luscious flowers must be attributed to something. Every night he goes to sleep while Mother sprinkles her "magic" into his shoes. However, the boy's growth is slow in coming and he feels more depressed.

Michael's father comforts the boy and tells him that it's not how tall he is but how he uses his skills. This little burst of inspiration is just enough. The next time the Jordan boys tackle Mark's team, they are victorious with Michael scoring the winning points.

Being fans of Michael Jordan can relate to this tale from his early days. It is well documented that Jordan had a strong relationship with his father; however, the book reveals the powerful bond that he also had with his mother. The story shows a nuclear family featuring both parents and siblings, all of them concerned about Michael. This will prove to be an invaluable tool in stressing familial relationships.

This book has it all. Kadir Nelson's illustrations immediately capture your attention. The cover is representative of the size and quality of pictures throughout the book. I've used this book in my classroom. Kids love it. Both boys and girls enjoy the story of the young Michael Jordan. They relate to going up against the big kid and wanting to change physically (in this case to become taller). Some kids even admit to putting salt in their shoes. The family support in this story provides the direction he needs to accomplish his goal of becoming a great basketball player and becoming the playground hero. Great message, great story, great illustrations. Everyone needs to realize the importance of hard work, determination, and believing in a little Michael Jordan magic. We want to encourage our kids to reach for the stars, and this book helps do that.

I like this book's interesting way on how to teach a child to chase his dreams. Most children think it is impossible to reach for your dreams, but this book shows an interesting way to make a child pursue their dream. When you tell a children to do something they may not want to do it. But when you take a different approach, the request might have an effect on the child. Showing a chilren how to acccomplish his/her dreams is better then talking to them about it.

This story shows a little boy who loves to play basketball, how to make himself a better player. When you explain to a child how to overcome their enemies, and set a goal for them they are more likely to accomplish it. Yosu cannot accomplish your child's dream, but you can show them a good path to take. Kids always need an extra push to understand how something work. To achieve your goals all you need is practice, persistance, and determination.

I thought this book was so cute. My boys enjoyed me reading it to them, ages 8 and 10. At night they like me to read a small story to them but not a baby story. This was very cute. I would say best age for this book is 1-4th graders. It is a great story about determination, perserverance, and faith. I thought it was great!

This book is great for all ages! It sends the message that if you work hard and are dedicated to what you love, anything is possible. My five year old and I read this all the time, it's his favorite! He even has me put salt in his shoes before he goes out to play basketball. I highly recommend this book to any parent. It will give your child an instant boost of confidence.