Book Review Tuesday - Salt in His Shoes

Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan with Roslyn M. Jordan

Grade Levels 1-5

This book is a story is written by Deloris Jordan, the mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan. This is inspiring tale tells of Michael Jordan and his determination to be a great player. The book is a great example of the importance of hard work and perseverance. This book is a story is written by Deloris Jordan, the mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan.

Synopsis:

As a child, Michael wanted to play basketball with his brother and their friends but they said that he was too little. He wasn't as tall as the other boys he was playing with and worried that he would never be tall enough to be a good basketball player. Michael's mom told him that salt in his shoes and a prayer before bed would help him grow taller! He was determined to be a great basketball player and practiced every day.  Michael continued praying and putting salt in his shoes but he still hadn't grown as tall as he wanted. Michael's dad reassured him that being taller may help a little bit but not as much as practice, determination and giving your best will!"

How to use this book:

1) Teaching character traits: determination, perseverance, patience and hard work
2) Comparing texts - a non-fiction biography of Michael Jordan and this story
3) Mid-year check-in for Hopes and Dreams

Mid-year Check-in for Hopes and Dreams

I have used this book for a midyear check-in with my students about their Hopes and Dreams. In the beginning of the school year, I take students through the process of setting their hope and dream for the school year. After we come back from winter break, I like to check-in on our goals. I read this story aloud and we talk about how Michael Jordan reached his goal at the end of the book. We identify the steps that Michael took to reach his goal - that he practiced every day, that he was patient and worked hard, etc.

We then reflect on our hopes and dreams from the beginning of the school year and think about what steps we need to take to reach our own goals. I have them create a bookmark with two realistic steps that they can take to accomplish their goals. You can download the bookmarks here.