n the 1950s, Darlene Chambers grew up in Downeast Maine, a part of the country that lagged far behind the modern world: One-room schoolhouses, homemade dresses, and trips to the outhouse were the norm.

But Darlene did not feel poor. No, she felt blessed.

My Red Sneakers is the story of how a young girl can see the best in her surroundings: A natural world full of

wonder. Siblings full of love. And a church filled with spirit.

These twenty charming stories will remind you that optimism and love are still important in our modern world.