25. Salt In His Shoes

25. Salt in His Shoes

Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan

Kadir Nelson

Scholastic Inc. 2000

30 pages
Nonfiction

            I chose this book because it is March and my family is crazy about basketball and we spend our nights watching the NCAA March madness tournaments. This book is a story about Michael Jordan and his pursuit of becoming a basketball player. Michael does not ever think he will be tall enough to play basketball, but his momma tells him the secret to growing is being patient and putting salt in his shoes. Every night after Micahel would say his paryers and go to bed his momma would put salt in his shoes and pray that he would grow. Michael finally got the opportunity to prove his ability to play with the guys at the park and shot the winning basket for the game.

            The illustrations in this book are rendered in oils. The illustrator does an outstanding job at creating a loving warm home full of hospitality in the illustrations. The Illustrations use warm colors and depict the love that Michael's family has for one another. This book has no honors.

            This book would be great for a 4^th-6^th grade classroom. The story of Michael Jordan could be used in character development to teach students to chase their dreams and never give up no matter what obstacle stands in the way. The book could also be used in Language Arts to have each student write about a famous athlete who followed their dreams and did not give up. This book hit home when I read about Michaels mom praying for him at night time. I know my parents have continuously prayed for me and have seen me through some tough situations. Michael Jordan is an inspiration to me and many others.