Gr 1-3-Rigo lives in a crowded house with his four siblings, his parents, and his uncle. Accustomed to hand-me-downs, he is thrilled when he gets new shoes for his ninth birthday. He loves them until a neighborhood kid makes fun of them and takes the nickels from the slots in the loafers. The shoes are stashed away until Rigo needs them for a party but finds they no longer fit. Fortunately, he realizes that his uncle could use them for his new job as a waiter. This is a gentle and honest story about a close-knit Mexican-American family. The uncluttered illustrations use bold colors and clean lines, which make the images simple and strong. It is a supplemental addition with a positive message about sharing.

Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

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