Put Your Shoes On & Get Ready!
What’s inside...
From Georgia's first Black Senator Raphael Warnock comes an inspiring picture book about finding your dreams and making your mark in the world. Before Raphael Warnock became a pastor and the first Black senator from Georgia, he was a little boy whose father told him to 'get up, get dressed, put on his shoes, and get ready!' So that’s what he did, along every step of his journey. From his work boots to his marching band shoes to his shiny lace-ups, Senator Reverend Warnock found the right shoes to fit his feet and to carry him toward his dreams. This inspirational story, with bold, brilliant art by TeMika Grooms, follows Raphael Warnock’s journey from Savannah, Georgia, to the United States Senate and shows young readers that they, too, can find the power to be themselves and make a difference when they have the shoes that fit their feet.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important for the characters to put their shoes on and get ready?
What are some things you like to do to prepare for your day?
How do the characters feel once they are ready? Can you relate to those feelings?
What would happen if the characters didn't put their shoes on and get ready?
How do you think planning ahead helps the characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child about their own morning routine and what helps them get ready.
While reading, pause to discuss the illustrations and ask how they think the character is feeling at different points.
After reading, encourage your child to connect the story to their own experiences by discussing similar situations they have faced.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more interactive and fun.
Reinforce the book’s themes by relating them to your child’s daily activities, emphasizing the importance of preparation and readiness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of getting ready by oneself, encouraging young readers to take responsibility for their daily routines.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by managing their own morning tasks, such as dressing up and brushing their teeth without parental prompting.
Example Lesson: Time Management
Explanation: Through the repetitive tasks of the protagonist, the book highlights the need to efficiently manage one's time to get ready for the day.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to understand the concept of time, planning their activities in order to be punctual for school or other engagements.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: The main character demonstrates autonomy by choosing and putting on their shoes, an act that symbolizes independent decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to make simple choices on their own, such as selecting their outfits or organizing their school bags.
Example Lesson: Preparedness
Explanation: The theme of readiness permeates through the book, teaching children the advantages of being prepared.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in how children prepare their homework and school projects ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.