Devonte’s Shoes

Vibrant and spirited, this picture book by a debut author celebrates summer in the neighborhood and the comforts of community.

The annual end-of-summer Chapel Street cookout is here at last, and Devonte is itching to show off his brand-new kicks. Theyre the flyest on either side of the pavement, but not for long. No sooner is he out the door than one mishap leads to another, and Devontes brand-new shoes begin to look scuffed and busted. But Chapel Street wont let him wallow in disappointmentevery person he passes steps up and shows what being part of a community means, as each one adds individual flair to improve Devontes shoes. How can he help but smile at their kindness? And as clouds roll over the cookout, Devonte just has to look around and realize how lucky he is, since dancing barefoot in the rain stomps new kicks every time. Relatable text and bold illustrations evoke the fun and excitement of a summer block partyand show how important communities are to our journeys, whether big or small.