Bibliographical information:

Smith, Cynthia Leitich.  Indian Shoes. Illus. Jim Madsen. New York: HarperCollins, 2002.

Brief summary:

This short-story cycle features Ray Halfmoon, a Cherokee-Seminole boy who lives in Chicago with his grandfather. In "Indian Shoes," Ray realizes that his grandfather is homesick for Oklahoma, and tries to buy a pair of moccasins he sees in an antique store. In "'Don't Forget the Pants!'" Ray's service as ringbearer at a wedding is threatened by a rental tuxedo that arrives without pants. In "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Grampa and Ray stay in Chicago for Christmas, and care for their neighbors' pets during a blackout.  Ray works hard on a painting but is disappointed when it's damaged in "The Accident." In "Team Colors," Ray wrestles with a disastrous haircut. Finally, Ray and Grampa travel to Oklahoma and share a special night in "Night Fishing."

Comments:

Ray and his grandfather are likeable characters, and Ray's adventures are funny and engaging. The prose is accessible, though the stories will also be thought-provoking for more advanced readers.

Grade/Age level:

Grades 3-6

Cautions:

If you like this book, you might also like . . .

--Lisa Gordis

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