645.Resource, Gordon, The Wrong Shoes: Mentor Text for Identity and Agency (Grades 3-5)

Identity is our self-concept. Agency refers to our capacity to act. The theme of Identity and Agency begins with the self-awareness of one’s own strengths and weaknesses and expands to our capacity to take action and attain goals. This theme includes self-efficacy (believing in oneself), the self-confidence to try difficult or new tasks, perseverance, and resilience. Identity and Agency are affected by our experiences.

Marco loved his new shoes until he learned that his peers wore a different brand. When his mother refuses to buy “those shoes,” he must earn the money to buy them himself. Marco and his friend Amelia go on a quest to learn about money. They learn much more—about taking action, achieving goals, perseverance, and self-worth.

Heart of Georgia RESA teachers may request a free copy of the book to use with their classes by listening to the short VoiceThread about the book, reading a brief handout that includes the ELA standards and suggested strategies for using the mentor text, and completing a request form.