Lena’s Slippers

K-Gr 2–Lena is excited for the annual school dance recital. Mrs. Pascu announces to the class that they must have yellow skirts or shorts and white shirts and ballet slippers, as this year the students will perform as daffodils. Lena is worried because she knows money is tight and, in her town, even the barest necessities are in short supply. She was hopeful that last year’s shirt and slippers would fit, but unfortunately, she has grown too big and she needs new slippers. Lena and her mother search the stores for yellow fabric. What they find is not the right yellow, but it will have to do. Unfortunately, they are not as lucky with the slippers. The last pair was purchased by Lena’s friend, Marcella. What will Lena do now? Mrs. Pascu will surely not be happy with the off-colored yellow skirt and socks for slippers. The author’s note at the end explains that this story was inspired by an event that took place during the author’s childhood in Romania.