Salt in his Shoes – Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M Jordan – Class 5

Short Summary

Michael loved basketball but was shorter than others. He wanted to play like his brothers. Mark, the tallest boy, always blocked his shots. Mama told him to be patient and put salt in his shoes. Michael ate well and practised every day. Months passed but he did not grow taller. Daddy reminded him that practice and determination matter more than height. Michael listened and felt confident again. He got a chance when a teammate was hurt. Michael scored the winning basket and learned that hard work makes a true winner.

Character Sketches

Michael

Michael is a small boy who loves basketball. He follows his brothers to the park every Saturday. He feels sad because he is shorter than others, especially Mark. He believes Mama’s words about salt in his shoes. He practises every day and learns to be patient. He listens to Daddy’s advice and becomes confident. He finally scores the winning basket. Michael shows that hard work and determination make a real winner.

Mama

Mama is kind and caring. She wants Michael to feel hopeful, so she tells him about salt in his shoes. She teaches him patience and the importance of eating well. She gives him a stern look when he refuses food. Mama worries when Michael stops going to the park. She asks Daddy to talk to him. She supports Michael’s dreams but knows practice is more important than salt. She stops putting salt in his shoes after he wins the game.

Daddy

Daddy is wise and gentle. He notices Michael is sad and talks to him. He explains that being tall is not everything. He says practice, courage, and effort matter most. He gives Michael confidence by tapping his chest. He encourages Michael to play again. His advice helps Michael believe in himself. Daddy shows the role of guidance and love in success.

Larry and Ronnie

Larry and Ronnie are Michael’s elder brothers. They play basketball at the park. They let Michael join sometimes, but he struggles against taller boys. Ronnie comforts Michael when he feels sad. They encourage him to keep trying. They celebrate with him when he wins the game. They show love and support for their little brother. They are role models for Michael.

Mark

Mark is the tallest boy on the court. He teases Michael by calling him short. He blocks Michael’s shots and makes him lose confidence. He represents the challenge Michael must overcome. Mark’s height makes him strong in the game. But Michael’s practice helps him beat Mark. Mark is surprised when Michael scores over him. He shows that size alone cannot decide the winner.

Conversations

Michael and Mama

• Michael: Mama, will salt make me taller tonight?
• Mama: No, dear, it takes time.
• Michael: What if I eat more vegetables?
• Mama: That will make you strong.
• Michael: Strong like Ronnie?
• Mama: Yes, strong like your brothers.
• Michael: Then I can beat Mark?
• Mama: With practice, you surely can.
• Michael: I will practise every day.
• Mama: That’s my boy, keep believing.

Michael and Daddy

• Michael: Daddy, do you think I’m too small?
• Daddy: No, you are just the right size.
• Michael: But Mark is taller.
• Daddy: Tall doesn’t mean better.
• Michael: What means better then?
• Daddy: Effort, practice, and courage.
• Michael: I have courage, Daddy.
• Daddy: Yes, I see it in your eyes.
• Michael: Then I will play again.
• Daddy: And I will cheer for you.

Michael and Brothers

• Larry: Michael, come play with us today.
• Michael: I want to practise my dribble first.
• Ronnie: But the team needs you.
• Michael: Will you pass me the ball?
• Larry: Of course, little brother.
• Michael: Then I will try a new move.
• Ronnie: Show us what you learned.
• Michael: Spin, step, and shoot!
• Larry: Wow, that was amazing.
• Ronnie: You’re ready for the park now.

Michael and Mark

• Mark: Still trying to beat me, shorty?
• Michael: I’m not afraid of you anymore.
• Mark: You can’t score over me.
• Michael: Watch me, I’ve practised.
• Mark: Practise won’t make you taller.
• Michael: But it makes me smarter.
• Mark: Smarter? What do you mean?
• Michael: I know how to trick you.
• Mark: Try then, little boy.
• Michael: Spin, shoot, and win!

Questions with Short Answers

1. Who is the main character in the story?
   Michael is the main character. He is a small boy. He loves to play basketball.
2. Who were Michael’s brothers?
   His brothers were Larry and Ronnie. They were older than him. They played basketball too.
3. Why did Michael follow his brothers to the park?
   He wanted to play basketball. He hoped they would let him join. He loved the game.
4. Who was the tallest boy on the court?
   Mark was the tallest boy. He blocked Michael’s shots. He made Michael feel small.
5. What did Mark say to tease Michael?
   Mark said Michael was too short. He flapped his arms in Michael’s face. He made fun of him.
6. How did Michael feel after losing the game?
   He felt sad. He thought it was his fault. He even said sorry to his brothers.
7. What did Ronnie tell Michael after the game?
   Ronnie said Michael played well. He told him not to worry. He promised they would win next time.
8. What question did Michael ask Mama?
   He asked, “Mama, how can I grow taller?” He wanted to be big. He wanted to play better.
9. What was Mama’s funny answer?
   She said, “Salt in your shoes.” She told him it would help him grow. Michael believed her.
10. Why did Mama tell Michael to be patient?
    She wanted him to wait. She said growing takes time. She told him to listen to her advice.
11. Why did Mama give Michael a stern look at dinner?
    Michael was not eating. He was dreaming about being tall. Mama wanted him to eat his food.
12. What did Michael do after Mama sprinkled salt in his shoes?
    He wore his shoes every day. He felt special. He practised basketball at home.
13. Why did Michael stop going to the park?
    He wanted to grow taller first. He thought salt would help. He stayed home to practise.
14. How did Michael feel after months of practice?
    He was disappointed. He had not grown taller. But he did not give up.
15. What did Daddy tell Michael when he was sad?
    Daddy said height is not everything. He said practice and determination are more important. He told Michael to give his best.
16. What did Michael do after Daddy’s advice?
    He felt strong inside. He ran to the park. He wanted to play again.
17. How did Michael get a chance to play in the game?
    One boy got hurt. The team needed another player. Michael joined the game.
18. What did Mark say to Michael during the game?
    Mark teased him again. He said Michael was still too small. But Michael ignored him.
19. How did Michael win the game?
    He caught the ball. He tricked Mark by spinning. He shot over Mark’s head and scored.
20. What lesson did Michael learn at the end?
    He learned salt cannot make you taller. Practice and patience make you strong. Hard work makes a real winner.