"Indian Shoes" by Shaun Taylor-Corbett follows a young boy named Ray, who is of Native American heritage and lives in a contemporary urban environment. Ray embarks on a journey that reflects both his cultural roots and the challenges of modern life. The story weaves themes of identity, family, and the power of community as Ray navigates personal growth and self-discovery. He learns valuable lessons through his experiences and interactions with his family, especially his grandmother, who instills in him a sense of pride in his heritage. Ultimately, the narrative highlights the importance of embracing one's background while finding a place in the wider world. [Generated by language model - please report any problems].

This book has been graded for interest at 8-12 years.

This is an early chapter book. Publishers market early chapter books at readers aged 6-10 years. These typically range from 40 to 120 pages and are designed for children who are transitioning from picture books to more text-heavy reading, usually around ages 6 to 9. Early chapter books have simple plots, larger font sizes, short chapters, and may include some illustrations to help keep young readers engaged. Examples include books like Magic Tree House or Ivy and Bean series. This book was published in 2022 by HarperCollins .

Cynthia Leitich Smith is the acclaimed and best-selling author of Tantalize, Eternal and Blessed as well as Tantalize: Kieren's Story, a graphic novel illustrated by Ming Doyle. She lives in Austin, Texas.