MVSallyHickey

Former ballet dancer turned paraplegic,Larisa

struggles to become a choreographer in a

jazz company. She finds herself challenged

by the big city, the director’s prejudice, the new

dance form and her unfriendly physical

surroundings. Larisa’s anger at God gradually

turns to awareness of His hand in her life when

she discovers the true worth of her friends.

Unsure of her independence and her

romantic relationship with Joe, a special gift,

a wheels-and-heels race and a confrontation

with the artistic director move her toward the

realization of her strengths even though ill-fate

bound her to a wheelchair.

EMPTY SHOES was really a wonderful book especially because there are many

interesting characters including God. The main characters are Larisa, Joe,

God, Eric a jazz choreographer, Larisa's brother Chipper and Alex, her best

friend. This modern day book takes place mostly in Philadelphia.

I enjoyed this book so much not only because I love dancing but because it

taught me some great lessons in life. The greatest lesson I have learned is

to never judge someone by the way they look and to never let anyone push you

around. We are all equally important in God's eyes! This book was so

wonderful I would love to read it again.-

by Jane McDonough- 5th grade St. Monica School, Whitefish Bay, WI