Four Feet, Two Sandals

by Karen Lynn Williams, Khadra Mohammed, Doug Chayka (Illustrator)

When relief workers bring used clothing to the refugee camp, everyone scrambles to grab whatever they can. Ten-year-old Lina is thrilled when she finds a sandal that fits her foot perfectly, until she sees that another girl has the matching shoe. But soon Lina and Feroza meet and decide that it is better to share the sandals than for each to wear only one. As the girls go about their routines washing clothes in the river, waiting in long lines for water, and watching for their names to appear on the list to go to America the sandals remind them that frie ndship is what is most important. Four Feet, Two Sandals was inspired by a refugee girl who asked the authors why there were no books about children like her. With warm colors and sensitive brush strokes, this book portrays the strength, courage, and hope of refugees around the world, whose daily existence is marked by uncertainty and fear.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Cultural, Childrens, War, Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2007

About the author

Karen was born in Connecticut, and received her Master’s degree in deaf education. She has lived in Africa and in Haiti. Karen had an early dream to be one of the youngest published authors, starting a writing club at ten. However, Karen's published works came later in life, after extensive travels and family experience. Karen's ability to draw from personal experience and adapt into writing forms for all ages and interests expresses her true gift.

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title caught my eye because a friend of mine/the mother of one of my closest childhood friends, as a young American girl in the 1920s, had to share a pair of shoes with her sister; they could go outside and to school only one at a time. So, I was curious about this story.

I love that this book was written because a child asked why there weren’t any books about children like her. This is a story about two refugee girls who become friends.

The message seems to be that friendship and hope are worth even more than practical needs, in this case a pair of sandals. I would have chosen a different fate for the sandals, but it’s a sweet story.

The illustrations have a lovely muted effect to them, and the colors and style fit the setting (as I’ve seen it in photos and in other books) at the area around Peshawar, on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have loved this if it wasn't for the sappy, "America-saves-the-day" kind of ending. Most refugees' stories don't end this way and it's kind of silly to have American kids read a book that leaves them with this sugarcoated and false message. I was hoping to use this along with The Breadwinner but I doubt I will. The ending ruined all the positive messages about friendship, at least for me.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family read-aloud party for the holiday weekend: Juneteenth, Father's Day, a birthday, and the solstice. (2 of 5)

Two little girls from Afghanistan living in a refugee camp in Pakistan bond over a pair of shared shoes in this sad but moving little tale. It's sort of happy ending from 2007 is undercut when one remembers how many desperate Afghan people were left behind when the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Co-authors Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed spin an immensely poignant tale of two girls living in a refugee camp in Four Feet, Two Sandals. Lina and Feroza have both fled war-torn Afghanistan with their families, heading for the relative safety of nearby Pakistan. When relief workers pass out used clothing, Lina finds one yellow sandal with a blue flower on it, but discovers that its companion has been claimed by Feroza. At first each girl keeps her sandal to herself, but eventually they decide to share the pair, alternating days. From this beginning, friendship develops, but when Lina and her family are given permission to resettle in America, the two girls face being parted...

I found myself immensely moved while reading this story, which would make an excellent picture-book companion to books like Deborah Ellis's The Breadwinner and Parvana's Journey , which offer stories for older children about the turmoil in war-torn Central Asia, and the experience of Afghani refugees. The narrative is simple but immensely effective, painting a picture of two young children caught up in terrible events well beyond their control. Despite the losses they have suffered - Lina's father and sister were killed in the war, while Feroza's entire family perished, save for her grandmother - the girls find a way to be generous and loving with one another, modeling the best of the human spirit for young readers and listeners. The artwork by Doug Chayka, done in acrylic paint, has a soft impressionistic feeling around the edges, but utilizes bright colors that capture the tones of that part of the world. Highly recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about refugees in general, or the experiences of people from Afghanistan in particular.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten-year-old Lina lives with her mother and brother in a refugee camp in Pakistan. She meets another girl, Feroza, because each one has a shoe in a pair, and they decide to share the footwear, each girl wearing the shoes for a day and then trading. It's a story of friendship as well as compassion.

I loved the inclusion of relevant details of the Arabic culture and the Middle East region, and done so at a level children can understand. Kids have the most wonderous ability to relate to other children all around the world. Lina and Feroza's story has heart and brings awareness to the millions of children refugees worldwide.

I would use this book as a read aloud that could have effective writing connections/activities. For grades 2 and up.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heart-warming story about finding friendship and kindness in the midst of a refugee camp. The lives of those who experienced the trauma of fleeing their homes and country for the relative safety and potential for a brighter future is highlighted in this short story.

The acrylic illustrations are nicely rendered and help to convey the drab existence of life in a camp, but also the expressions of hope and joy children experience no matter where they are.

Overall, it's a fast read and a good way to help younger children understand the basic concepts of refugees and their plight to find a new home and safety away from the tragedies of war.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story!

[Unique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text-to-Teaching Connection: What is a response activity that you can do in a classroom with children in response to the book?

Four Feet, Two Sandals, by Karen Lynn Williams would be a great way to have my children grasp some concepts while learning right and left concepts threw some fun interacting classroom games. After the read we would play "Ms. Unique Says use your left hand or use your right hand" and everyone would stand up to play and I would start by asking the students to use their left or right hand to touch something of color or with a particular shape. When a Student does not use their proper hand to touch the right item they would have to take off their left shoe and continue to play, and the second time they do not use their proper hand to touch the right item they would put their left shoe back on. So taking off and putting on their left shoe and repeating until we end the game after about 15 minutes and then later in the day we might repeat the game but taking off and putting on their right shoe. They would make a text to self connection if they have to walk around for a small period of time without their shoe on.

[Matthew West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written and beautifully illustrated picture book about two young girls who live within a refugee camp in Peshawar, a city on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The two girls each end up with ½ of a pair of sandals after a relief workers truck distributes used clothes to the refugees. The two girls become friends and exchange the sandals every other day so that each of them can have a chance to wear the complete pair. This book is very rich with cultural detail which can be seen on every illustrated page from clothing to geographical detail. Also, because of the authentic dialogue and relationships that includes phrases like, “As-salaam alaykum” which means, “peace be with you”. Just a wonderful book that can introduce cultural concerns such as refugee camps to younger students.

Williams, K. L. & Mohammed, K. (2007). Four Feet, Two Sandals. Michigan: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book. Two young Afghani refugees are in a refugee camp in Peshawar, Pakistan. Relief workers have brought clothes and shoes. Lina finds a beautiful sandal that fits perfectly. She hasn't had shoes for two years. Another girl, Feroza, finds the other one. At first, they both want the sandals...but ultimately, they decide to take turns. Four feet, two sandals. This continues and their friendship grows despite the difficulties of living in a refugee camp. I like the ending and feel that the whole story has great potential for discussion. Some children and families are able to leave the refugee camp and travel to America...which does happen. I have taught several refugees from Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as many refugees from other parts of the world. But it doesn't happen for all of them. I think there is much that could be discussed about refugees.

This book could also start a discussion on empathy, sharing, friendship or gratitude.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed, illustrated by Doug Chayka – Loved this book. Perfect connections to studies on refugees, caring for others, risk taking, life comparisons… simply beautiful. Well worth the read, reread and more. Good book for 4th grade and up even though it could be shared with younger ages as well. The idea of losing family members might lead to a discussion…

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking place in a camp in Pakistan for Afghan refugees, this story of two girls who learn to share and become friends tugs at the heartstrings. We take so much for granted in this country! I wanted to reach out to the girls in the story and send them another pair of sandals so they'd each have a pair. I'll definitely be ordering this one for my library!

[Jaimie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book for PSHE, I would use this in a Year 5/6 class to help with topics such as, identity, society and equality. This book is about workers in a relief truck in a refugee camp in Peshawar, Pakistan, throw a pile of clothing on the ground and the people rush forward to grab what they can get. Lina, a ten year-old girl, retrieves one sandal, and another girl, Feroza, finds its match. The two decide to share the sandals, each wearing them every other day. Both girls have suffered: Lina's father and sister were killed in the war in Afghanistan; Feroza's only living relative is her grandmother. Grief and memories of the past are heavy burdens for little girls to carry. That is why sharing is a gift of God that blesses them both.

[Zainab Alkhamis]

Four Feet, Two Sandals
By Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed – Published in 2007
Four Feet, Two Sandals is about two young Afghani girls Lina and Feroza living in a refugee camp in Pakistan who became friends after sharing a pair of sandals brought by relief workers. I found this interesting book in A Mighty Girl website in social issues book list. It teaches young children 6 to 9 year- old the value of friendship. It can be introduced to children as a story about immigration and the life in refugee camps. Therefore, children will engage in current issues in the world.
This book can be read to or by children based on their age and reading ability because each page in the book has short paragraph. Teachers may use this book to enhance children comprehension skills if they teach children some of comprehension strategies like connecting and predicting. This book has a phrase that indicates a particular culture using their language.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the friendship is universal theme here. A really great classroom share or read aloud. Based on the co-author's real life experience working with refugees. A tiny bit of back matter outlines the refugee crisis in a way kids will understand.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad, but hopeful story about the life of a young girl in a refugee camp and about the bonds of friendship.

[Calyn Joy]

Two girls share a pair of sandals in a refugee camp.
This was a good book, although it was a little sad.
This would be a good book to introduce older elementary students to refugee camps. Since it doesn't get political, you could focus on what it's like for the people who live there. Perhaps a few kids in larger cities would know someone who was a refugee. I think this would be best kept 7 and up though, as war and displacement are heavy topics. The open ending could also lead to some discussion of what might happen next.

[Kaylee Fulk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows two girls that are in a refugee camp and share a pair of sandals. I think this a good read as often times the sense of war filled locations get a bad representation on certain cultures and groups. But books like this allow us to see how similar and unique every culture is. That even in the face of adversity there are brighter and better things to look towards. Making this a good book to understand that even the lowest moments we can pick out specific things to make the days better for us and others.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lina raced barefoot to the camp entrance where the relief workers threw used clothing off the back of a truck. Lina was ten, but she had not worn shoes for two years."

"Suddenly the girl turned, taking the matching sandal with her."

"We can share."

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful story and truly a mirror book for my kids. It's a story of friendship true, but it's also a story about appreciating what you have. It also resonated with my students a lot because the girls in this story are 10 years old--which is the age of fourth-graders in the United States. We had a lot of really in-depth conversations today thanks to this book.

[Molly Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Feet, Two Sandals written by Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed, illustrated by Doug Chayka is a heart-warming story about two refugee children and a pair of sandals. One of the girls, Lina finds a pretty yellow sandal with a blue flower and is in search for the second shoe. As she is looking she notices another young girl named Feroza wearing the other sandal - they both go about their business. The very next day Feroza approaches Lina as she was washing her one sandal in the river and tells Linda "Grandma says it's silly just to wear one" and places the sandal by her feet. They introduce themselves and become friends. Lina says they can still share the sandals just switching off days, Feroza likes the agreement. The girls friendship grows throughout the story, sharing stories of how they had to flee their home and watch their loved ones die - they laugh, cry, and consult each other as best friends do. Later in the story Lina and her mother are told they are one of the few to escape to America, but sadly, Feroza is not. Feroza tells Lina she should keep the sandals so she'll have a pair of shoes for America. The story ends with Lina getting a new pair of shoes from her mothers saved sewing money, and returning the sandals to Ferzoa. "We will share again in America" Lina says in hope her good friend Feroza will make it to the land of the free eventually. This is a great childrens book to show diversity, character development, and friendship. The girls learn to share and bond over this simple pair of sandals, creating something larger between the two. It'll be good to show young children how other kids are living around the world, and to be grateful for what you have and be appreciative for the little things. I would say the RL is 3-4 grade. Wonderful story.

[Natalie Payton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary/Critique:
Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams is a picture book about the relationship between two young girls in a refugee camp in Pakistan. A young girl, Lina, finds a sandal after the relief workers threw used clothing out for the people to have. She looks up and finds another young girl with the other matching sandal. They go their separate ways until Feroza, the other young girl, goes up to Lina and gives her the other sandal. They become friends and decide to share the pair of sandals around their refugee camp. Lina soon finds out that her family can move to America, but she is sad to leave Feroza. In the end, they decide to share the sandals still so that they will always remember each other. This was one of my favorite picture books because it is so rich in cultural details and I felt moved by the story and relationship between Lina and Feroza. A quote from the book that I thought was heartwarming was when they decide to share the sandal, “Lina held the sandals out. “We can share.” “What good is one sandal for two feet?” Feroza frowned. “You wear them both today, and I will wear them tomorrow.” Lina smiled. “Four feet, two sandals.” (Williams & Mohammed, 2007).

Classroom Use:
I would use this book in the classroom and read out loud the entire book. I would then ask students what the important messages of the book are and how they feel. Then I would have the students draw an item that they have shared with someone and write a short paragraph about the importance of sharing with others.

Genre: Fiction
Format: Picture book
Reading level: 1st-5th grade
Theme/Topic: Sharing, Friendship
Gender, Race/Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status: The gender and race/ethnicity represented in this book are Afghanistan females. The socioeconomic status represented in this book is very low because they are refugees.

Citation:
Williams, K., & Mohammed, K. (2007). Four feet, two sandals. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

[Casey Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten-year-old Lina lives in a refugee camp in Pakistan with her family. When relief workers come to the camp throwing used clothing off the back of a truck, Lina joins the large crowd of people, hoping to find something for herself. As everyone leaves, Lina discovers a brand new sandal, yellow, with a blue flower on it. Thrilled, she slides the shoe on her foot, it is a perfect fit; Lina has not worn shoes for two years. When she looks around for the matching sandal, she sees a young girl, Feroza, with it on her foot. Later, the two girls become friends, agreeing to share the sandals, “Four feet, two sandals”, as Lina says. The two girls share the one pair of shoes as they go about life in the camp, waiting in lines for water, sharing stories of hope, and waiting for their names to appear on the transfer list for America.

Four Feet, Two Sandals was written after a refugee girl asked the authors why there were no books about children like her. The authors’ note at the end gives background information on Afghani refugees and Peshawar, where Khadra Mohammed was inspired to write this story. Doug Chayka’s illustrations pair nicely with the text, enhancing the story of the two friends. This book could be used in grades 2-4 as a read aloud. There are basic themes of friendship and sharing that can be taught through this story. However, this book could be used as a “window” for younger children, to give them an opportunity to see what a refugee child’s life is like. Both characters have suffered loss, Lina’s father and sister were killed in the war, and Feroza’s only family is her grandmother. Teachers could use this book to talk with students about loss and cope, or use it as an introduction to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

[Tarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Feet, Two Sandals, one amazing story about friendship! Based on author Khadra Mohammed’s personal experiences, this story talks about kindness, generosity and friendship.

The story begins with Lina racing to the entrance of the refugee camp where she lives with her family. Relief workers have brought in a truckload of new clothing for the men, women and children of the camp. Lina finds one yellow sandal with blue flower and it fits her perfectly! She is ecstatic, until she sees an unknown girl (Feroza) wearing the matching sandal. Neither one wanting to give up their new shoe, they go home wearing only one sandal on their feet.

Soon realizing that it is better to share than to walk around with one sandal, the girls decide to trade the shoes every other day. They soon learn to share other experiences as well, and a beautiful friendship begins. Soon Lina learns that her family are on the list to go to America and that she will not need the sandals anymore and gives them to Feroza. Not wanting her friend to forget her, Feroza gives one sandal to Lina to always remind her of their time in the camp together and the friendship they shared.

This book helps students learn about the struggles of refugee families around the world. We forget sometimes the luxury of something as simple as a shoe. Children can read this and learn that even when you have no home and little possessions, you still have a great wealth in the kindness and friendship that you can give to others.

[Madison Woodmansee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Feet, Two Sandals is about a girl who lives in a refugee camp and has nothing but the clothes on her back; not even shoes.When workers come to her camp to bring clothes and shoes everybody storms them to take what they need. Lina is so happy when she finds the perfect fitting sandal; however, she finds out that another young girl Feroza has the matching one. The separate sandals soon become the bond of these two girls friendships when they decide to share the sandals between them. Later the girls are separated when Lina finds out she will have the opportunity to travel to America. However, with the little that they have on this camp Feroza offers the sandals to Lina for her journey to America. This book is the perfect example of historical fiction. Children in America are very fortunate with what they have and at such young ages they don't understand how different it is like for other people. By reading this book to kids it can teach them a big lesson on how to be thankful for where they live and the opportunities they have here. Kids don't understand how much people in other countries cherish America and this book is the best version to portray that to children. The illustrations fit perfectly with the time and place this book is in. I would recommend this book for all children to read in schools to go along with the history of other countries and the amazing things America has to offer. Children will be more thankful for what they have after experiencing this book.

[Alyssa Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Williams, Karen Lynn and Mohammed, Khadra. Four Feet, Two Sandals. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007.

Lina and Feroza, two young refugees forced out of their homes in Afghanistan and into a Pakistan refugee camp become friends over a pair of yellow and blue sandals. After relief workers bring used clothes to the refugee camp the two girls form a bond through the sharing of the sandals. The two girls tell of their tragic stories and losses due to the war and wait in hopes of moving to America. They share their hopes and dreams and their friendship grows. One day Lina finds out that she is moving to America and has to leave her good friend behind. As a way for Feroza to remember Lina and vice versa, and keep each other close to her heart, both girls keep one sandal. The sandal is for a hope to once again be together in American where their friendship can continue and the sandals that began their friendship can continue.

Classroom Connection: This book would be a great way to introduce what is going on in other parts of the world. Due to the egocentric nature of children and the simplicity of ignorance in childhood, often times kids are unaware of what happens to kids of the same age. This book has a great message of friendship and also teaches children a little bit about what is taking place in the world. After reading the story I would have my class continue the story by adding on to it and create an alternate ending in which the girls are reunited in America.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Genre - International Literature
2. Awards -
3. Grade Level - 3-4
4. Many parts of the world can easily go undiscussed in an elementary classroom with so much to do and so little time. Afghanistan and Pakistan definitely fall into that category and therefore this is a great picture book to open up students' eyes to the bigger world and struggle that many children their same age face. I would begin by introducing the book to the class and asking them if they know what a refugee is and where Afghanistan is. I would bring out a map and have the students point to where they think Afghanistan and Pakistan are. I would read the author's note on the back that explains that Afghanistan has experienced much conflict and turmoil for many years now. After reading the story, the class would discuss other children their age around the world and the similarities and differences between them. The students would then all receive a piece of paper with an email address of a student around their age from another country. The class would discuss possible questions to ask their new pen-pal and then each student would write an email. We would check our email as a class every day for the next two weeks to keep up correspondence with our pen-pal. At the end of the unit, the students would be allowed to continue emailing the pen-pal if desired and with parental consent.

[Kassie Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: K-2
Genre: International
Award(s): Cybils Award, Finalist (2007), Association of Theological Booksellers, Theologos Award for Best Children's Books (2007), Children's Book Council, Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People(2008), Cooperative Children's Book Center, CCBC Choices (2008), International Reading Association, Notable Books for a Global Society (2008), California Young Reader Medal Program, Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee List (2010–2011)

This book teaches a valuable lesson on sharing. It also allows the readers to get rid of the stereotype brought on by 9/11 that people from Afghanistan and Pakistan are not horrible people. I feel like this is a great way to show the young students who may not understand. I would use this book as a discussion book. I would ask the students when they hear about people from Afghanistan and Pakistan what do they think? (before reading the book). After reading the book I would ask the kids how they felt about people from Afghanistan and Pakistan? I would also have them point out some of the things that the girls did that they may do here in America. Showing the students that there is not much difference between the two nations. We all have good and bad people we just have to remember that not all people are bad.

[jaymacreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed is an amazing story about the power of friendship. Two little girls who belong to a refugee camp find two separate yellow sandals with a blue flower on them, one day they meet and one of the little girls offers to give the other girl the other half of the sandal so she can have a matching pair. The little girl refuses and suggests that they share the shoes, so they switched back and forth every single day. While doing this they begin to learn about each other, their families, their cultures, and how they came to be at the refugee camp. One day one of the little girls noticed her name on the list of people who were going to America; before she left she gave both sandals to the little girl who was not leaving. Then they decided to each keep one, so that they would always remember each other and the friendship that they shared. This book honors and celebrates diversity as well as common bonds in humanity, it’s also rich in cultural details. The language and style of this book are very inviting, it draws the readers in with the words and details about the little girl’s cultures and the beautiful illustrations make you want to see what’s next.

[Cynthia Lagunas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents a topic rarely seen in literature, especially in children's books. The story takes place in a refugee camp in Pakistan. Two young Afghan girls become friends after they decide to share a pair of sandals they found in a donation box brought by relief workers. Inequality is very apparent in the girls' environment, they do not have a real home and are uncertain of their future. The two girls cherish a pair of slippers because they had not owned a pair of shoes in years. The girls decide to share the sandals so that each person wears them every-other day, this create a bond between the two girls. The girls share more than shoes, they connect with their stories of loss. This book is educational because it explains a circumstance that is very real. It is important that children know what a refugee is especially since Chicago is home to a few Syrian refugees. Students may meet refugees in their school therefore, it is necessary to break away from possible single-stories one may have of this group of people. This book introduces hardships refugees face and teaches readers to be understanding and kind to people because you never really know what a person has faced and what they have been forced to flee from.