Socioeconomic Status
Maddi's Fridge
Summary: Sofia and Maddi are two little girls who are practically inseparable. The two best friends live in the same neighborhood, go to school together and play together at the local park. Although the two girls are very close, Sofia doesn't realize that the fridge at Maddi's house is nearly empty. Sofia learns that Maddi's mom doesn't have enough money to buy food for Maddi and her little brother. Maddi is embarrassed and makes Sofia promise to keep the situation a secret. Sofia didn't want to break her promise but she badly wanted to help Maddi in any way she could. So Sofia decides to tell her mom about Maddi's empty fridge. Together, Maddi and her mom brought over several bags of groceries filled with milk, flour, chicken, carrots and many other food items to Maddi's house. Despite Sofia breaking her promise, Maddi is grateful to Sofia and her family.
Critical Review
Strengths: The author of the text, Lois Brandt has a strong personal perspective to the story. Similar to the character of Sofia, many years ago Lois peeked into her best friend's fridge and found nothing but empty shelves. That experience was the inspiration for "Maddi's Fridge."
Awards:
Human Rights in Children's Literature Honor
The 2014 Christopher Award Winner
A 2014 Top Mighty Girl Book For Young Readers
An Anti-Defamation League Book of the Month
2014 ILA Primary Fiction Award
Winner of the 2015 International Literacy Association Primary Fiction Award
2015 MLA Mitten Award Honor
Nominee for the 2016 Nevada Young Reader's Award
Nominee for the 2015/2016 Washington Children's Picture Book Award
Human Rights in Children's Literature Honor
The 2014 Christopher Award Winner
A 2014 Top Mighty Girl Book For Young Readers
An Anti-Defamation League Book of the Month
2014 ILA Primary Fiction Award
Winner of the 2015 International Literacy Association Primary Fiction Award
2015 MLA Mitten Award Honor
Nominee for the 2016 Nevada Young Reader's Award
Nominee for the 2015/2016 Washington Children's Picture Book Award
Weaknesses: Poverty and childhood hunger affects all ethnicities and backgrounds, however the use of diverse characters in the text are highly limited. The two main characters of the story, Maddi and Sofia are both portrayed as Caucasian. The portrayal of several diverse characters could have strengthened the multiculturalism and realistic aspect of how victims of poverty come from all backgrounds.
Classroom Connections
Main Theme: Poverty is the obvious and evident theme that portrays itself throughout the text, however, a powerful message of friendship, empathy and helping others shines through Sofia's good deeds towards Maddi.
Activities: "Maddi's Fridge" is a light-hearted introduction to the issues of childhood hunger and poverty. A class food drive to a local food pantry or homeless shelter would be an appropriate activity that would not only educate students on the reality of poverty, but teach about empathy and helping others.
Additional Resources
Lois Brandt Official Website
This is the official website of author and teacher Lois Brandt. The website includes her blog, school events, curriculum guides and many different activities for home and school.
https://www.loisbrandt.com
This is the official website of author and teacher Lois Brandt. The website includes her blog, school events, curriculum guides and many different activities for home and school.
https://www.loisbrandt.com
Talking to Kids About Childhood Hunger with "Maddi's Fridge"
This article published by the Daily Fig touches on the subject of childhood hunger and how the text "Maddi's Fridge" is a touching exploration of childhood hunger, courageous generosity, and staying true to friends in need.
https://www.dailyfig.com/2016/10/12/talking-to-kids-about-childhood-hunger-with-maddis-fridge/
Fighting Childhood Hunger in Schools
Schools Fight Hunger, a nonprofit organization is not only putting their efforts into feeding the hungry but also educating children on the reality of childhood hunger and how to fight to end the epidemic.
http://www.teachhub.com/fighting-childhood-hunger-schools
This article published by the Daily Fig touches on the subject of childhood hunger and how the text "Maddi's Fridge" is a touching exploration of childhood hunger, courageous generosity, and staying true to friends in need.
https://www.dailyfig.com/2016/10/12/talking-to-kids-about-childhood-hunger-with-maddis-fridge/
Fighting Childhood Hunger in Schools
Schools Fight Hunger, a nonprofit organization is not only putting their efforts into feeding the hungry but also educating children on the reality of childhood hunger and how to fight to end the epidemic.
http://www.teachhub.com/fighting-childhood-hunger-schools
Those Shoes
Summary: Jeremy desperately wants a pair of expensive black high tops with two white stripes that all the other boys at school are wearing. Jeremy however, lives with his grandmother and she tells him that the shoes are a "want" and not a need. Instead, she states that Jeremy needs a new pair of winter boots.
After Jeremy's old pair of sneakers finally wear out, his only choice is to borrow a pair of Velcro sneakers given to him by the school guidance counselor. Jeremy's grandmother takes him shoe shopping for winter boots. On the search for winter boots Jeremy wanders into the local thrift store and finds a cheap pair of high tops with two white stripes that look exactly like the pair he has been wanting. Despite the shoes being too small, Jeremy purchases them with his own money. Later at school, Jeremy realizes that one of his friends, Antonio has a pair of worn out shoes that are falling apart. Jeremy makes a difficult decision and comes to the conclusion that his shoes would be better suited for his friend. Jeremy gives Antonio his black high tops with two white stripes, while he wears his new cozy winter boots .
After Jeremy's old pair of sneakers finally wear out, his only choice is to borrow a pair of Velcro sneakers given to him by the school guidance counselor. Jeremy's grandmother takes him shoe shopping for winter boots. On the search for winter boots Jeremy wanders into the local thrift store and finds a cheap pair of high tops with two white stripes that look exactly like the pair he has been wanting. Despite the shoes being too small, Jeremy purchases them with his own money. Later at school, Jeremy realizes that one of his friends, Antonio has a pair of worn out shoes that are falling apart. Jeremy makes a difficult decision and comes to the conclusion that his shoes would be better suited for his friend. Jeremy gives Antonio his black high tops with two white stripes, while he wears his new cozy winter boots .
Critical Review
Strengths: The author of the text, Maribeth Boelts does an excellent job at portraying a variety of races and ethnicities across different socioeconomic levels. There was no evident correlation of linking one specific race to a certain socioeconomic level.
Weaknesses: A stereotype that can portray itself in the text is the misconception that African American characters often obtain a low socioeconomic status. The main character Jeremy, is portrayed as a young African American boy who comes from a low income household.
Classroom Connections
Main Theme: The overarching theme of the text is helping others. Despite his own misfortunes, Jeremy realizes that his friend Antonio has been wearing worn out sneakers and generously donates his beloved shoes to his friend in need.
Activities: Throughout the text, Jeremy discovers the difference between a "want" and a "need". After an interactive read-aloud, the class will identify the wants and the needs that Jeremy had throughout the text. After this, the class will come together to generate a list of their own personal wants and needs.
Additional Resources
Maribeth Boelts Official Website
This is the official website of the author Maribeth Boelts. The website includes all of her books, school visits and contact information.
https://maribethboelts.com/
Teaching Children Philosophy
This website includes guidelines for a philosophical discussion over the text "Those Shoes."
https://www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org/BookModule/ThoseShoes
"Those Shoes" Teaching Guide
This teaching guide for the text "Those Shoes" provides read-aloud guidance, writing activities, and tips for integrating similar books into classroom activities.
https://www.teachervision.com/reading-literature/those-shoes-teaching-guide
This is the official website of the author Maribeth Boelts. The website includes all of her books, school visits and contact information.
https://maribethboelts.com/
Teaching Children Philosophy
This website includes guidelines for a philosophical discussion over the text "Those Shoes."
https://www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org/BookModule/ThoseShoes
"Those Shoes" Teaching Guide
This teaching guide for the text "Those Shoes" provides read-aloud guidance, writing activities, and tips for integrating similar books into classroom activities.
https://www.teachervision.com/reading-literature/those-shoes-teaching-guide